Glossary
Reward
What is a reward?
A reward is a benefit given after a behavior with the intention of encouraging it to happen again. Praise, money, and tangible gifts are common examples.
The distinction between a reward and a reinforcer matters. A reward is something you intend to be beneficial. A reinforcer is something that actually increases the behavior under the conditions in question. Calling a bonus a reward does not tell you whether it worked.
Using rewards in behavior change
If a team offers a bonus for completing a task, check whether that task actually happens more often. Also ask what else changes: does the reward encourage the quality of work you want, or merely the count you chose to pay for? The label alone cannot answer those questions.