Definition: Operant conditioning is a learning theory within behaviourism that focuses on how behaviour is shaped by consequences. It involves changing behaviour through the use of reinforcement or punishment, based on the outcomes that follow a behaviour.

Example: Consider a scenario in the tech industry where employees are encouraged to complete online coding courses to enhance their programming skills. As a learning and development manager, you apply operant conditioning principles to motivate employees to engage in continuous learning. You establish a system where each completed course earns employees points. After accumulating a certain number of points, employees can redeem them for rewards such as gift cards, additional paid time off, or recognition at company meetings.

In this case, the completion of coding courses acts as the desired behaviour. By associating this behaviour with tangible rewards, such as points and incentives, you're utilizing operant conditioning to shape employee behaviour positively. The more courses employees complete, the more points they earn, which in turn increases their motivation to engage in learning activities. Over time, this reinforcement strategy fosters a culture of continuous learning within the tech company, aligning with your role as a learning and development manager.

References

1. https://www.academia.edu/22871964/Skinner_verbal_behaviour_theory_Article_THE_HISTORY_OF_IMITATION_IN_LEARNING_THEORY_THE_LANGUAGE_ACQUISITION_PROCESS_Objective_present_the_logic_of_a_behaviour_analytic_account_of_language_acquisition_using_the_concept_of_generalized_imitation

2.https://www.academia.edu/9712369/Operant_Conditioning_on_Laboratory_Specimen

3,https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html#:~:text=to%20smoke%20now.-,Positive%20Reinforcement,-Positive%20reinforcement%20is