Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation

Carrot and stick approach of motivation is based on the 'principles of reinforcement'.

Comes from the old story that the best way to make a donkey move is to put a carrot out in front of him or jab him with a stick from behind.

In motivating people for behaviour that is desirable, some carrots, rewards, are used such as money, promotion, and other financial and non-financial factors.

Some sticks, punishments, are used to push the people for desired behaviour or to refrain from undesired behaviour.

"Though in various theories of motivation, the terms carrot and stick are avoided, these still form the basis of motivation if administered properly.

Points to be taken into consideration while using it:

1). Punishment is effective in modifying the behaviour if it forces the person to select a desirable alternative behaviour that is then rewarded.

2). If the above does not occur, the behaviour will be only temporarily suppressed and will reappear when the punishment is removed. Further more, the suppressed behaviour may cause the person to be fearful and anxious.

3). Punishment is more effective if applied at the time when the undesirable behaviour is actually performed.

4). Punishment must be administered with e)treme care so that it is does not become reward for undesirable behaviour. A punishment, from one point of view, may become a reward for the person concerned.

The mixture of both carrot and stick should be used judiciously so that both have positive effects on the motivational profile of the people in the organisation.