Operant conditioning is a type of learning process that involves modifying behavior through consequences. It was first described by psychologist B.F. Skinner and is based on the principle that behavior is influenced by its consequences. In operant conditioning, behavior is shaped by the reinforcement or punishment that follows it.

Your team owns an organizational development consulting firm, and has done well based upon referrals. You have recently been hired to consult at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, located in Pennsylvania. You have been told that recently the growth of the business has leveled off dramatically, and the board of directors are a bit concerned that if nothing is done, Dunder Mifflin might even lose money next month. You have traveled to Pennsylvania to observe and interview workers at Dunder Mifflin, and to your dismay, you have discovered that several members of the company have adopted poor work habits and you think some operant conditioning interventions may help.

1. Dwight Schrute, Sales

Dwight has a high need for power and doesn't get along with Jim, another sales person in the office. Dwight looks at everything in a "black" or "white" perspective and is very judgmental of others. Dwight wants to be the favorite employee and thinks he should earn a promotion as the "Assistant to the Assistant Regional Manager".

• What is the operant conditioning you recommend for Dwight?
• What are the specific interventions you recommend to improve his behavior?
• What is the reinforcement schedule you recommend?

2. Kelly Kapoor, Customer Service Representative

Kelly spends most of her time talking about how much she loves Ryan and seems unable to focus on her work. Ryan doesn't seem very interested in Kelly although she frequently tries to engage him in conversations.

• What is the operant conditioning you recommend for Kelly?
• What are the specific interventions you recommend to improve her behavior?
• What is the reinforcement schedule you recommend?

Your team owns an organizational development consulting firm, and has done well based upon referrals. You have recently been hired to consult at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, located in Pennsylvania. You have been told that recently the growth of the business has leveled off dramatically, and the board of directors are a bit concerned that if nothing is done, Dunder Mifflin might even lose money next month. You have traveled to Pennsylvania to observe and interview workers at Dunder Mifflin, and to your dismay, you have discovered that several members of the company have adopted poor work habits and you think some operant conditioning interventions may help. Instructions: For each individual, determine: The type of operant conditioning that would be most beneficial (see below) Describe specifically how you would use that method Determine if the reinforcement schedule should be continuous or some kind of interval. Positive Reinforcement Giving something pleasurable to retain or increase behavior Negative Reinforcement (avoidance) Extinction This is not the same as punishment -- increases the probability that a desired behavior will occur by removing a negative consequence when a person performs the desired behavior. Example: Parents stop complaining about child's time management if the child starts doing better in school. Removing a consequence that is currently reinforcing an undesirable behavior in an effort to decrease the probability that the behavior will occur again in the future. Example: When John arrives late to work, Betty starts the meeting on his behalf. Betty stops doing this so John will arrive on time. Punishment Administering an undesirable consequence, but remember to punish the behavior, not the person