Concept of Rewards
Rewards refer to benefits or incentives given to individuals or groups in return for their contributions or achievements. Rewards can be tangible or intangible and are used to motivate and reinforce desired behaviors.
Here are some definitions of rewards from scholars:
- “Rewards are any positive consequences that follow a behavior and that increase the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated” – B.F. Skinner
- “Rewards are any event or object that, when following a response, increases the likelihood of that response occurring again” – Edward Thorndike
- “Rewards are positive outcomes that are distributed to individuals or teams in recognition of their contribution to organizational success” – Gary Latham and Kenneth Wexley
- “Rewards are anything that an employee values and desires that can be exchanged for their work performance” – Robert L. Heneman and Timothy A. Judge
Overall, rewards play a significant role in shaping behavior and motivation and can be used effectively to encourage desired outcomes in a variety of contexts, including workplaces, schools, and homes.