The Perils of Extrinsic Motivation: A Critique of Rewards in Punished By Rewards

Chapter 1:what is Punished By Rewards book about

"Punished By Rewards" by Alfie Kohn is a book about the negative effects of using rewards and punishments in various areas of life, including education, parenting, and the workplace. Kohn argues that the system of rewards and punishments, which is prevalent in our society, is flawed and counterproductive. He challenges the notion that rewards motivate people to perform better and suggests that they often lead to a range of negative consequences, such as decreased intrinsic motivation, reduced creativity, and damaged relationships. Instead of relying on rewards and punishments to control behavior, Kohn proposes alternative approaches that focus on fostering autonomy, promoting intrinsic motivation, and creating conditions for individuals to develop a genuine interest and passion for what they do.

Chapter 2:Author of Punished By Rewards book

Alfie Kohn is an American author and lecturer who has written extensively on topics related to parenting, education, and human behavior. He gained particular recognition for his critical stance on the use of rewards, such as grades and praise, as motivational tools.

His book "Punished By Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's, Praise, and Other Bribes" was published in 1993 and became a popular critique of the traditional system of rewards and punishments. In this book, Kohn argues that using rewards to motivate people ultimately undermines their intrinsic motivation and leads to short-term compliance rather than lasting engagement.

Kohn believes that rewards, such as grades or bonuses, produce an external locus of control, where individuals act solely to obtain the reward, rather than engaging in a task for its inherent value. He suggests that this approach hampers creativity, decision-making, and long-term learning. Instead, Kohn advocates for promoting intrinsic motivation by focusing on fostering a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Kohn's work has generated much debate and he has been praised by proponents of alternative education and criticized by those who see rewards as necessary in many aspects of society. Overall, he challenges widely accepted beliefs about motivation and punishment, encouraging readers to rethink widely accepted practices and strive for more meaningful and fulfilling experiences.

Chapter 3:why is Punished By Rewards book worth reading

1. Unique Perspective: Kohn challenges the conventional wisdom that rewards are always effective in motivating individuals. He argues that rewards can hinder intrinsic motivation, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

2. Extensive Research: Kohn supports his arguments with a wealth of research evidence, citing numerous studies and experiments that demonstrate the negative effects of rewards. This makes his claims more credible and strengthens the book's overall message.

3. Thought-Provoking Insights: The book encourages readers to critically evaluate their own assumptions and beliefs about rewards. Kohn's ideas may challenge deeply ingrained practices in various fields, such as education and parenting, pushing readers to reconsider their approaches.

Overall, "Punished By Rewards" offers a fresh perspective on the topic of motivation and challenges widely held beliefs about the effectiveness of rewards. It is worth reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of motivation and finding alternative strategies for promoting optimal performance and personal satisfaction.

Chapter 4: Books like Punished By Rewards book

1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

2. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink

3. "The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle

4. "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown