Theory applicationusing lotteries to reduce absenteeism--management can use

learning theory to design programs to reduce absenteeism and to make other managerial gains. For example, New York Life Insurance Co. created a lottery that rewarded employees for attendance. Each quarter, the names of all the headquarters employees who had no absences are placed in a drum. In a typical quarter about 4,000 of the company's 7,500 have their names placed in a drum. The first ten names pulled earn a $200 bond, the next twenty earn a $100 bond, and seventy more receive a paid day off. At the end of the year, another lottery is held for those with twelve months of perfect attendance. Twelve prizes are awarded; two employees receive $1,000 bonds, and ten more earn five days off with pay.

It seems that lotteries such as these could be quite promising in certain managerial

and/or motivational situations . . . . What seems to be operating here?

a.) micromanaging to motivate employees.

b.) managers should avoid personalizing motivational efforts.

c.) managers must address workplace problems and conflicts slowly.

e.) managers should avoid letting employees choose which opportunities and rewards they want to pursue, as employees may not be capable of making the correct decisions.

f.) classical conditioning

g.) operant conditioning, learning theory, reinforcement theory, potentially a form of variable pay and potentially a form of pay-for-performance, and perhaps a few other psychosocial dynamics.

h.) the bonding of employees (insurance bonding)