When people like Nathan Azrin and Ted Ayllon and their group began adapting and applying the research of behavioral scientists, such as B. F. Skinner, to humans, there was a great debate. The pros and cons were discussed at depth, much like people had debated the pros and cons of nuclear energy. Like any powerful new phenomenon, "good people" would no doubt use it for the good of mankind, while evil people would use it to control others and exploit their fellow men. Like other such discussions, it is probably still being debated in academic circles on occasion.
Most people familiar with the Principles of Learning from Operant Conditioning and/or the behavioral versions, including the simplistic B-Mod formulas, see the great advantage of using such methods in the home and our schools. As parents and educators responsible for helping young people grow into productive citizens, using the techniques takes the pain out of child rearing. Instead of using the rod to get the desired results, children can be "rewarded" for appropriate behaviors, thus becoming stellar citizens with half the effort and trouble.
It is when people become teenagers and adults that the lines of appropriateness begin to blur. Do we have a right to reward conformity and discourage the uniqueness of teens? Isn't non-conformity how they show self expression and establish themselves as adults?
Humanism, a counseling and psychology point of view, suggests that it is much more humane to enlist the teen or adult to agree to a program that will change specific behaviors. But, what if the person prefers his own self or way to your way? Are you sure your way is right? There are some ways both teens and adults can misbehave that anyone would agree need to be modified. But these areas are few in basically productive individuals.
Let's face it, it takes a pretty arrogant individual to think that he or she has the right way to do something. It takes a very arrogant and self-serving individual to decide to use the Principles of Learning from Operant Conditioning to change others to be like himself. And what self-respecting individual would want to become like a person such as that?
It is a given that control freaks are long on self-service and short on consideration for others. It is into the hands of these individuals that such powerful knowledge should never fall. Fortunately, most people are exposed only to the B-Mod version with it's watered down techniques of rewards and punishments. They don't know the actual functional definitions. They haven't been taught that one man's "reward" can be another's "punisher". They are simple technicians, not knowledgeable planners.
On the whole, behaviorism does not belong in the workplace. Most adults know the fundamentals of being a hard-working, reliable and loyal employee. If anyone does not know this, they don't get much past a short-term trial period anyway. It's not likely someone will work well a few years and then let their work ethic fall apart. Even if they did, the natural consequences of the hire and fire structure would go into effect and remedy the situation.
Any use of reinforcement and punishment beyond salary increases and promotions should be unnecessary. Yet, workplace after workplace has inadequately trained individuals applying B-Mod techniques to well-functioning employees, many of whom are more desirable employees than the modifier. But control freaks will be control freaks, won't they?
It seems an appropriate time to mention that there is a huge problem with applying any control techniques to adults. People just aren't as easy to control as animals. We can think. We can decide. We like our way. We don't want to be a clone of you. We sometimes don't even like you all that much. We frequently have good reason not to think so highly of you.
Businesses need to be wary of trying to change the behaviors of others. If it is totally necessary to do so, never use any employee below the management level. Continually train the individuals used to do this. And remember, most of all, if the employee can tell they are being "modified", that means you don't know what you are doing.
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