Theories of training

Prepared By

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Manu Melwin JoyAssistant Professor

Ilahia School of Management Studies

Kerala, India.Phone – 9744551114

Mail – manu_melwinjoy@yahoo.com

Theories of Training

1. Reinforcement theory

2. Goal-setting theory

3. Expectancy theory

Reinforcement theory (Skinner, B.F.)

A. The frequency of behavior is influenced by its consequences.

B. Three major types of consequences:

– Positive reinforcement: reward desirable behavior.

– Negative reinforcement: withhold punishments to force the adoption of desirable behavior.

– Punishment: punish undesirable behavior.

Goal-setting theory (Locke, E. A)A. One’s conscious goals or

intentions regulate his/her behavior.

B. Three important implications for motivating trainees:

– The learning objective should be conveyed clearly to the trainees.

– Training goals should be difficult enough to challenge the trainees and satisfy their needs.

– The final goal should be supplemented with periodic sub-goals during training.

Expectancy theory (Victor Vroom)A. One will be motivated to chose a

behavior alternative that is most likely to have favorable consequences.

B. Key concepts:– Outcome: the result of a certain

behavior.– Valence: perceived value of the

outcome.– E (effort) →P (performance)

expectancy: the amount of effort for a certain level of performance.

– P (performance) → O (outcome) expectancy: the probability that improved performance will lead to desirable outcome.