PYC4810
PSYCHOLOGY OF WORK
2021-2022
STUDY NOTES AND POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS
1
,Answer
Operant conditioning is a form of learning, where behaviour is learned through the consequences of
our actions- where there is a positive consequence the behaviour will be repeated. Actions that are
avoided will happen through negative consequences. In the workplace certain behaviours are acceptable
and others aren’t. Employees will behave when their actions are approved and praised and will try to
not repeat an action if they received negative feedback. When the employee performs a job well and
gets praised he will perform the job well in the future
Law of effect- the desirable behaviours will be strengthened with positive consequences and
consequences that are avoided will weaken a behaviour.
Positive reinforcement: giving a pleasant stimulus to strengthen behaviour that is desired. Praising an
employee on his work ethic and giving positive feedback will continue to strengthen his behaviour to
work hard. Giving employees incentives, such as work benefits and a raise will make them feel valued
and enforce their good behaviour.
Negative reinforcement: people learn to perform an action that leads to the removal of undesired
events. – an unpleasant stimulus that increases a response. Avoiding future punishment, you behave in
a certain way not because you were praised and want to repeat it to receive it again but you want to
avoid future criticism. You will rather stay late at work than get called out for a job not done in time.
Punishment: by providing an unpleasant consequence- the unpleasant stimulus decreases the response.
Deducting pay due to negligence at work or having to work extra hours for always being late is a form
of punishment. This is a form of punishment and in return, the employee will change his behaviour by
avoiding being late or focus on his work not making the same mistakes.
2
, ANSWER
Globalization
Organisations today operate on an international scope, nations are dependent on each other
economically; what happens in one country affects the other countries. This is known as globalization:
the process of interconnecting the world's people, we connect on cultural, environmental, political facets
of our lives
This has been governed by three factors.
• Technology has reduced the cost of transport and communication. This created more
opportunities to operate internationally.
• Law restricting trade has been relaxed throughout the world. This opened up free trade policies.
• Developing nations are expanding their economy by promoting exports and opened up the door
for foreign investors.
• International trade is the major driver of globalization: Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are
the driving force. It consists of multiple operations spread internationally, but with headquarters
in one nation. This has caused individuals to relocate and is known as expatriates.
Expatriates-because of globalization people is relocating around the world for work, as companies can
be based in many different countries now. These individuals are still citizens of their own country but
have a work permit in another country.
Culture shocks- as people move to a new country, they are exposed to a culture that is very different
from their own. The way you act in business can be different and things can get lost in translation. This
disorientation and confusion of the way things operate in a country take time to adjust to as you learn
to live in a new country.
Repatriation- after living abroad for work, after a while you learn to live in that culture and learn their
way of doing. When you return to your own country you might find it difficult and need to readjust to
your own culture again.
3
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