Behaviorism is a term introduced by James B. Watson. The idea of behaviorism comes from observing what people do. B.F. Skinner further developed the idea of behaviorism through operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a process where behaviors are modified through association with positive reinforcement or negative consequences.

Ivan Pavlov also expanded on behavior and perhaps might be the most know for it. Pavlov’s dog cycle illustrates certain responses triggered by specific stimuli. Pavlov’s dogs would start salivating at the sound of the buzzer because the buzzer meant that they’d get food. Pavlov’s dogs had developed the notion that the buzzer is associated with food. This is a conditioned reflex and developed by Pavlov to show that animals can learn in the same way as humans.

Example: Positive reinforcement is utilized in our everyday lives. Positive reinforcement is when a reward is given in return for a desired behavior. This in turn reinforces that behavior, increasing its frequency.

One example of positive reinforcement can be seen in the workplace. Let's say there is an employee named Sally, she works in a quick-paced office and her manager's name is Sammy. Sammy asks Sally to do a few tasks, and at the end of each task; Sammy praises and thanks Sally- positively reinforcing her behavior(work ethic). Sammy has used positive reinforcement to motivate Sally to complete more tasks at work.

This continues, Sammy gives Sally tasks and then praises her at the end of completion. Sally now takes on multiple tasks, tasks that she is not asked to take on. She completes them and is praised and thanked. Sally continues to take on additional tasks, even working overtime. This leads to Sally feeling burnt out and even missing out on events outside of work, due to exhaustion.

The constant positive reinforcement led to Sally constantly seeking more, even if it meant neglecting her health and life outside of work. Sally's motivation did not come from self, it came from the external validation she'd receive at the completion of her tasks. Sally also became very entitled, expecting to be praised and thanked after all tasks- even if it was expected of her and in her work duties. Eventually, Sally stopped putting in the complete effort unless her manager- Sammy was around to praise her at the end of the tasks. This can also be seen as a conditioned reflex, as Sally would put in more effort towards her tasks when she saw her manager Sammy around. Sally started to associate the sight of Sammy with praise and appreciation. When she’d get the praise, it would reinforce her behavior. Habits are formed by conditioned reflexes. 

Positive reinforcement is a great tool, however; it can also be problematic and cause issues such lack of internal self-motivation and entitlement. In this example, positive reinforcement may have also led to the employer taking advantage of the employee; creating a loop of unhealthy behaviors and practices.

Reference:

https://psychcentral.com/pro/child-therapist/2019/12/unwanted-effects-of-reinforcement-the-bad-effects-of-a-good-intervention#2

Wei, L. and Yazdanifard, R. (2014) The impact of Positive Reinforcement on Employees’ Performance in Organizations. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 4, 9-12. doi: 10.4236/ajibm.2014.41002.

Perone, M. Negative effects of positive reinforcement. BEHAV ANALYST 26, 1–14 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392064.

Gantt WH. CONDITIONED REFLEXES AND HABIT FORMATION. Br Med J. 1932 Mar 19;1(3715):517-9. doi: 10.1136/bmj.1.3715.517. PMID: 20776739; PMCID: PMC2520497.