1. Understanding social learning theory and behaviour modelling
How do the above approaches explain the ways in which new employees learn about the organisation and their job? In small groups, discuss your experiences of starting a new job in a new organisation. Find out how each of you learned about your organisation and work. Collect examples of social learning theory and behaviour modelling. How effective were these methods in helping a new employee ‘fit in’? From this evidence discuss the strengths and limitations of these approaches.
2. Branto Bakery case study p166 Key text
Branto Bakery is a large company producing a range of bakery products for the major supermarkets. Analysis by the human resources department has revealed that the sales and administration departments have the highest rates of absenteeism and late coming. Interestingly, each of these departments also has individuals with the best absence and timekeeping records. The managing director has asked the two department heads to address these absence and timekeeping problems. Alan Anderson, head of sales, has decided to adopt a behaviour modification approach. Barbara Brown, head of administration, has chosen to develop a socialisation approach with current and new staff. You have been asked to advise one of them, as an external management consultant.
Design either a behaviour modification programme for Anderson, or a socialisation plan for Brown, that will reduce absenteeism and improve timekeeping in their departments.
Explain the elements of your plan, how it will address these problems, and how it will be implemented
Assess the strengths and weaknesses of your plan in the short term, and in the long term. (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2010)
3. Theories of Learning
A good way to understand the learning process is to consider your own experience as a student. Form a study group and examine Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. This cycle has four moments....