Behavioral control is the ability of an individual or group to influence, manage, or direct their own or others’ activities. It is a crucial concept in psychology, impacting our understanding of human behavior and interactions. This article explores the definition, types, and importance of behavioral control, drawing insights from various sources such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), The Business Professor, and the Psychology Dictionary.
Key Facts
- Definition: Behavioral control refers to an individual’s or a group’s ability to influence, manage, or steer their own or others’ activities.
- Types of Control: Behavior controls can be categorized based on what is monitored – outcomes or behaviors.
- Outcome Controls: These controls focus on the end result or outcome of an activity. They work best when there are few performance measures, little external interference, or limited coordination between business units.
- Behavioral Controls: These controls focus on manager and employee behavior, particularly decision-making processes. They tie rewards to performance goals and behavior related to process and procedure, rather than just the outcome of the activity. Behavioral controls are most appropriate when managers coordinate resources across business units or when external and internal factors directly affect a manager’s decisions and organizational performance.
- Importance: Understanding behavioral control is crucial as it impacts various areas of human life. It underpins behavioral modification therapies, helps in classroom management, organizational behavior, and parenting strategies. It also aids in promoting teamwork, increasing productivity, and encouraging healthy habits.
Types of Behavioral Control
There are two main types of behavioral control: outcome controls and behavioral controls.
Outcome Controls
Outcome controls focus on the end result or outcome of an activity. They are most effective when there are a limited number of performance measures, minimal external interference, or limited coordination between business units.
Behavioral Controls
Behavioral controls focus on manager and employee behavior, particularly decision-making processes. They link rewards to performance goals and behavior related to process and procedure, rather than just the outcome of the activity. Behavioral controls are most appropriate when managers coordinate resources across business units or when external and internal factors directly affect a manager’s decisions and organizational performance.
Importance of Behavioral Control
Understanding behavioral control is crucial as it impacts various areas of human life. It underpins behavioral modification therapies, helps in classroom management, organizational behavior, and parenting strategies. It also aids in promoting teamwork, increasing productivity, and encouraging healthy habits.
Conclusion
Behavioral control is a multifaceted concept that plays a significant role in shaping human behavior and interactions. By understanding the different types and importance of behavioral control, individuals and organizations can effectively manage and influence behavior to achieve desired outcomes.
References
- Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Behavioral Control. Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/behavioral-control
- Gordon, J. (2023). Categories of Management Control – Explained. The Business Professor. Retrieved from https://thebusinessprofessor.com/management-leadership-organizational-behavior/what-are-the-categories-of-control
- N., Sam M.S. (n.d.). BEHAVIOR CONTROL. Psychology Dictionary. Retrieved from https://psychologydictionary.org/behavior-control/
FAQs
What is behavioral control?
Behavioral control refers to an individual’s or group’s ability to influence, manage, or direct their own or others’ activities.
What are the two main types of behavioral control?
The two main types of behavioral control are outcome controls and behavioral controls.
What is the difference between outcome controls and behavioral controls?
Outcome controls focus on the end result or outcome of an activity, while behavioral controls focus on manager and employee behavior, particularly decision-making processes.
Why is behavioral control important?
Behavioral control is important because it impacts various areas of human life, including behavioral modification therapies, classroom management, organizational behavior, and parenting strategies. It also aids in promoting teamwork, increasing productivity, and encouraging healthy habits.
How can behavioral control be used in the workplace?
Behavioral control can be used in the workplace to improve employee performance, promote teamwork, and increase productivity. For example, managers can use behavioral controls to set clear expectations, provide feedback, and reward employees for desired behaviors.
How can behavioral control be used in education?
Behavioral control can be used in education to create a positive learning environment, establish a sense of discipline, and promote academic achievement. For example, teachers can use behavioral controls to set clear rules and expectations, provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, and implement consequences for disruptive behaviors.
How can behavioral control be used in parenting?
Behavioral control can be used in parenting to help children learn appropriate behaviors and develop self-control. For example, parents can use behavioral controls to set clear rules and expectations, provide positive reinforcement for desired behaviors, and implement consequences for misbehavior.
What are some common examples of behavioral control?
Common examples of behavioral control include setting goals, providing feedback, rewarding desired behaviors, and implementing consequences for undesirable behaviors. Behavioral control can be used in various settings, such as the workplace, school, and home.