3.) Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
A concept I chose to discuss for this week that was not already discussed was the Reward-Punishment Power. I thought this was most interesting because I was curious to see who is able to give these types of rewards/punishments to fellow group members. I also learned a lot on how this type of power should be used and when it's appropriate to use it as well. Prior to reading this chapter, I assumed that rewards and punishments were given out amongst a group depending on how good or bad the group process was going. I ultimately thought that this concept would be a simple pat on the back or encouraging words to help a group grow to success. I wasn't aware of the sacrifices some individuals or even groups make in order to achieve certain rewards. The text used a great example of this sort of power with the trash hauler and trash hauler boss. Although the trash hauler may disagree with the boss, he/she will constantly support the boss in hopes to get a raise. This example shows how this type of power can be extremely dangerous if it isn't used properly. There are many situations where an employee may be very dissatisfied at work and strongly disagree with their boss but aren't able to admit or say anything because of their future benefits and/or raise. When it comes to financial rewards, it's hard to state your own opinions when someone is in charge of your paycheck. This is usually the result of the Reward-Punishment Power that bosses tend to have a hold of. I learned that within the work place, this type of power is mainly used by the head of department or whoever is in charge of your employment. Maintaining a good relationship with whomever it might be (boss, coworkers, group members, etc.) is needed when it comes to obtaining rewards. However, when the participation of group members evolve around reward and punishment, the idea of good and effective group process may be executed. This concept was very interesting to read about because it shows that sometimes sacrifices are made in order to have a good outcome for yourself or group.
I thought this concept was interesting, too. I’m sure my kids would say that I held the power. As a parent, I’ve done a lot of rewarding and punishing and always tried very hard to make the reward or punishment a logical consequence of the behavior. I was very careful not to humiliate them and to give them praise when praise was due.
ReplyDeleteI’d like to think that once we are grown up, we don’t need rewards and punishments any longer to make us do the things we should. However, how many people would work at a job if they weren’t doing it for the reward of a paycheck? How many people try to follow the rules of their business, such as no social media during work hour, because they are afraid of getting a bad review that might lead to the punishment of a firing?
It’s easy to see that bosses do hold a lot of power. I thought the point the authors made about an administrative assistant or secretary also holding power was interesting. I never really thought about it before, but it is a good idea to stay on his or her good side because he or she does control “the flow of information and access to needed administrative services in the office.” I remember having to do so at a school for which I worked, even though I couldn’t stand the front office person. I was worried that if I crossed her, she wouldn’t treat my kids well if they came into the office because they needed something or were ill. She held power, but I don’t feel she used great care or a sense of responsibility in wielding the power.
Hi Hope,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post about the Reward-Punishment Power that you discussed. It is an interesting concept and I enjoyed it as well. Even though my post was about brainstorming, I thought this concept was a great one to discuss too. I also wasn’t aware of the sacrifices that some people or even groups would make in order to achieve certain rewards. You had mentioned that this power is usually seen from a boss, and I would have to agree. Also maintaining a good relationship with the person in charge is needed when it comes to obtaining rewards. I would agree that this concept was interesting and that it shows that sometimes sacrifices are made in order to have a good outcome for yourself or group. Great job on your post.