Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation

The Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation is a traditional motivation theory that asserts in motivating people to elicit desired behaviours.  Sometimes the rewards are given in the form of money, promotion, and any other financial or non-financial benefits, and sometimes the punishments are exerted to push an individual towards the desired behaviour.

The Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation is based on the principles of reinforcement and is given by a philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who developed it during the industrial revolution. This theory is derived from the old story of a donkey; the best way to move him is to put a carrot in front of him and jab him with a stick from behind. The carrot is a reward for moving while the stick is the punishment for not moving and hence making him move forcefully.

Thus, an individual is given a carrot i.e. reward when he performs efficiently and is jabbed with a stick or is given a punishment in case of non-performance. While giving the punishments, the following points need to be considered:

• Punishment is said to be effective in modifying the behaviour if an individual selects a desirable alternative behaviour.
• If the above condition does not occur, the behaviour will be temporarily suppressed and may reappear after the punishment is over.
• The punishment is more effective when given at the time the undesirable behaviour is performed.
• The management should make sure that punishment is properly administered and does not become a reward for the undesirable behaviour.

Thus, the Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation should be applied carefully so that both have the positive motivational effect on the people in the organisation.