Read the Emery Air Freight case study and answer questions at the end of the case study.

The power of positive reinforcement is a topic that has been talked about by psychologists, organization behavior specialists, and managers for years. Much study has been done on the effects of positive reinforcement, but most of those studies have been with animals and humans in a laboratory setting. However, field studies, involving operating organizations, are now being reported in the literature, with some interesting results. The case of Emery Air Freight is one of those.

The Program

Perhaps the most widely known example of the application of behavior modification in industry is that of Emery Air Freight. Under the direction of Edward J. Feeney, Emery selected behavior modification as a simple answer to the persistent problems of inefficiency and low productivity. In an air freight firm, rapid processing of parcels is important to corporate profitability.

Emery air Freight began with a performance audit, which attempted to identify the kind of job behaviors which had the greatest impact on profit and the extent to which these behaviors were used in the company. One area of special concern was the use of containers. Emery loses money if shipping containers are not fully loaded when shipped. Hence, one goal was to ensure that empty container space was minimized. Before the program was implemented, workers reported that they believed they were filling the containers about 90% of the time. However, the performance audit revealed that this was really so only about 45% of the time. In other words, over half of the containers were shipped unfilled.

The Results

Through the use of feedback (in the form of self-report checklists provided to each worker) and positive reinforcement (praise), the percentage of full containers rose swiftly from 45% to 95%. Cost reductions for the first year alone exceeded $500,000 and rose to $2 million during the first three years. In other words, when workers were given consistent feedback and kept informed of their performance, subsequent output increased rapidly. As a result of this initial success, similar programs were initiated at Emery, including the setting of performance standards for handling customer problems on the telephone and for accurately estimating the container sizes needed for shipment of lightweight packages. Again, positive results were achieved.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of behavior modification to improve productivity? Consider each step: identifying key performance behaviors; providing feedback on performance; providing recognition and positive reinforcement for good performance. Provide details. (3 points)

2. How would you apply behavior modification principles to individual performance problems? (2 points)

Instructions: Read the Great Leaders Are Great Learners whitepaper. Answer the following questions using your own words dont copy word for word from the article. Submit your work by uploading your completed document using the Blackboard assignment link.

1. List and briefly explain the 4 components of learning agility. (4 points)

2. Explain the difference between High Professionals and High Potentials (2 points)

3. Review the information on pages 8-11. Considering the information on pages 8-11, how can you work to develop learning agility in yourself? Identify and explain at least 3 ways you can work toward having learning agility. (3 points)

4. In your own words, describe the kind of organizational environment you think needs to be in place for learning agility to flourish. (see p. 9 of article for some help here it describes the OBSTACLES to learning agility).