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Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation

Definition: The Carrot and Stick Approach of Motivation is a traditional motivation theory that asserts, in motivating people to elicit desired behaviors, 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 behavior.

The Carrot and Stick approach of motivation is based on the principles of reinforcement and is given by a philosopher Jeremy Bentham, 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 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 taken care of:

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

Thus, carrot and stick approach of motivation should be applied carefully such that, both have the positive motivational effect on the people in the organization.

Related terms:

  1. Theories of Motivation
  2. Reinforcement Theory of Motivation
  3. Operant Conditioning
  4. Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory
  5. Johari Window

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ann says

    September 23, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    cool!

    Reply
  2. Zubair says

    February 12, 2018 at 3:06 am

    Before I sat to write on ‘Carrot-n-stick’ I googled the meaning of this idiom. After visiting some sites, I encountered your page. It’s amazing and interesting.
    Actually, I knew only one meaning of this term and wanted to criticise it. I thought it might be better to treat animals with carrots and stick but not kids or other human beings.
    Thank you for writing such a thought-provoking article. I have also shared on my facebook wall.
    facebook.com/zubair.visionary

    Reply
  3. kokila says

    February 26, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    very nice!!!!

    Reply
  4. Joyce Galloway says

    March 27, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    I am taking a management class and this article truly helped me to understand this phrase much better.

    Reply
  5. wadia says

    April 12, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    clarified enough!! Thanks!

    Reply
  6. Rodd says

    September 1, 2018 at 2:13 am

    Wow, I just learned something new. Thanks for taking the time to put this in layman’s terms.

    Reply
  7. kpienbaareh says

    September 6, 2018 at 3:40 am

    very simplified and easy to understand. thanks

    Reply
  8. Angella says

    February 27, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    Thanks for your time to share knowledge

    Reply
  9. Samson Tadesse says

    July 1, 2019 at 12:34 am

    Yeah, its clear explanation. the way you explained the ‘Carrot and Stick’ approach, helps to anyone to understand it easily. thank you!

    Reply
  10. Jigija Abu says

    November 19, 2019 at 12:59 am

    Thanks for the well explained carrot and stick approach of motivation

    Reply
  11. Rare says

    October 30, 2020 at 11:22 am

    This is a beautiful explanation on the carrot-and-the-stick approach! Please what is the name of the author of this write-up?

    Reply
    • Surbhi S says

      October 30, 2020 at 11:59 am

      The author of this content is Megha M.

      Reply
  12. Oku blessing says

    March 5, 2022 at 12:58 am

    Am fascinated with your article and wants to read more of it.

    Reply
  13. Gwandumi Mpoma says

    March 27, 2022 at 1:05 am

    Wonderfully explained! Thanks.

    Reply
  14. SAMUEL ABRAHAM says

    November 1, 2022 at 5:30 pm

    Well insightful. Thanks

    Reply

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