Behavior Modeling
Behavior modeling is based on the social learning theory, which emphasizes that people learn by observing other persons whom they believe are credible and knowledgeable. According to the social learning theory, people learn new skills, or behaviors come from mainly two ways: the process of observing others and seeing the consequences of their behavior, or directly experiencing the consequence of using that behavior or skill. Behavior modelling is more appropriate for teaching skills and behavior than for delivering factual information. Relevant research indicates that behavior modeling is the most effective methods for teaching interpersonal and computer skills.
Factors about behavior modeling
According to the previous literature and research, there are some factors need to consider when employing behavior modeling in training sessions.
· The selection of trainer is important. The selected trainer should be experienced, skilled and familiar with this technique.
· Using video clips to describe the accurate action and ensure trainee can understand the positive example and distinguish from the negative one.
· Do not highlight more than seven learning points in any parts of the skills.
· Consider the following carefully before implementing this technique: identify inadequate specific skills; present positive model; provide time for trainee to practice under the eye of trainer and ensure trainee will reinforce the correct behaviour when bake to work.
· Divide the specific skills in small parts, and start with the easy step. This can help trainees to learn more effective and improve the accuracy.
· Ensure it is easy for trainees to identify the correct action during the process of learning.
· Establish the support environment and encourage trainee to practice. Trainer need to provide more positive reinforcements rather than criticisms.
· Ensure the goal set before learning session has reached and trainee can implement the correct action in their work.
· Provide wallet-sized card with printed learning points to help trainee to remember. This strategy can reminder trainee of each important learning point and helps them grow in terms of understanding level and maturity.
· Provide review session after accomplish all teaching parts.
· The selection of trainer is important. The selected trainer should be experienced, skilled and familiar with this technique.
· Using video clips to describe the accurate action and ensure trainee can understand the positive example and distinguish from the negative one.
· Do not highlight more than seven learning points in any parts of the skills.
· Consider the following carefully before implementing this technique: identify inadequate specific skills; present positive model; provide time for trainee to practice under the eye of trainer and ensure trainee will reinforce the correct behaviour when bake to work.
· Divide the specific skills in small parts, and start with the easy step. This can help trainees to learn more effective and improve the accuracy.
· Ensure it is easy for trainees to identify the correct action during the process of learning.
· Establish the support environment and encourage trainee to practice. Trainer need to provide more positive reinforcements rather than criticisms.
· Ensure the goal set before learning session has reached and trainee can implement the correct action in their work.
· Provide wallet-sized card with printed learning points to help trainee to remember. This strategy can reminder trainee of each important learning point and helps them grow in terms of understanding level and maturity.
· Provide review session after accomplish all teaching parts.
Behavior Modeling in Workplace
Work Tasks
The most basic application of behavior modeling in the workplace is to sit down with employees and physically show them the proper ways to perform work tasks. Rather than simply telling employees how to do the things they need to do, or furnishing them with an instructional guide, take the time to perform the work yourself in front of them or pair them with experienced employees. Modeling behavior in this way allows employees to ask questions and gain insights from those with first-hand experience.
Work Ethic
Employees take cues from a range of behaviors displayed by management, both consciously and subconsciously. Managers' work ethic can have far-reaching effects on the culture of their companies. Employees model the behavior of their managers when it comes to being early for work, leaving late, taking reasonable breaks and seeing projects through to completion. If an executive consistently leaves the office an hour early, for example, it is very likely that other employees will take opportunities to sneak out early, as well, which can decrease the company's output.
Communication
Communication styles of managers are often modeled by their subordinates, creating another opportunity to strategically influence company culture. When managers speak courteously and professionally at all times, especially in conflict situations, employees are more likely to model this behavior, treating customers and each other with respect at all times.
Honesty
Managers' commitment to honesty in the workplace provides a behavior model for all employees to see. If managers' and executives' actions are always in line with their words by following ethical guidelines, fulfilling promises made to employees, admitting their mistakes and coming to others for advice when they need it, employees are more likely to do the same in response.
Politics
Workplace politics are highly influenced by social learning theory, giving employees cues as to what they need to do to fit in the social hierarchy of the company. Managers who display a firm commitment to equity and refuse to play office politics can inspire other employees to focus on professionalism and performance rather than political maneuvering in the office.
The most basic application of behavior modeling in the workplace is to sit down with employees and physically show them the proper ways to perform work tasks. Rather than simply telling employees how to do the things they need to do, or furnishing them with an instructional guide, take the time to perform the work yourself in front of them or pair them with experienced employees. Modeling behavior in this way allows employees to ask questions and gain insights from those with first-hand experience.
Work Ethic
Employees take cues from a range of behaviors displayed by management, both consciously and subconsciously. Managers' work ethic can have far-reaching effects on the culture of their companies. Employees model the behavior of their managers when it comes to being early for work, leaving late, taking reasonable breaks and seeing projects through to completion. If an executive consistently leaves the office an hour early, for example, it is very likely that other employees will take opportunities to sneak out early, as well, which can decrease the company's output.
Communication
Communication styles of managers are often modeled by their subordinates, creating another opportunity to strategically influence company culture. When managers speak courteously and professionally at all times, especially in conflict situations, employees are more likely to model this behavior, treating customers and each other with respect at all times.
Honesty
Managers' commitment to honesty in the workplace provides a behavior model for all employees to see. If managers' and executives' actions are always in line with their words by following ethical guidelines, fulfilling promises made to employees, admitting their mistakes and coming to others for advice when they need it, employees are more likely to do the same in response.
Politics
Workplace politics are highly influenced by social learning theory, giving employees cues as to what they need to do to fit in the social hierarchy of the company. Managers who display a firm commitment to equity and refuse to play office politics can inspire other employees to focus on professionalism and performance rather than political maneuvering in the office.