Student’s name
Institutional affiliation
Social Learning Theory: Rick’s ability to “Fit in”
Social learning theory holds that erudition takes place by observing the attitude, behaviors as well as the emotional response of other people. Learning takes place through a continuous interaction that is shaped by the environmental and behavioral influences. Rick was employed on a fulltime basis at Peterson Paper Product as a manager in the sales department. However, the company was underperforming in sales, which tasked him to improve the turnover level. In order to fit in, the Rick applied the social learning theory. Rick tried learning the employees’ behaviors at a cognitive level of continuous observation of their actions so as to understand them and fit in. Although the employees interacted with him, Rick observed that they had a tendency of avoiding during their informal talks or personal conversations.
In the process of fitting in, Rick’s intention was to introduce new methods and strategies that would improve the level of sales in the company. However, the company maintained a traditional practice of doing things that resisted any kind of change (Case, 2015). Moreover, they never regarded Rick as being part of their working team. Rick was seen and taken as an outsider although they worked in the same company as them. Rick’s breakdown happened the moment he decided to bring his own computer to work one morning. He wanted to introduce a new system that would analyze, monitor and control all sales activities in one database.
Social learning process was observed in practice when other employees reacted to Rick by observing his actions and attitude. However, instead of embracing this new method of doing things, they rejected it and consequently Rick lost his job (Case, 2015). It is important to note that Rick tried in vain to impact new learning to fellow employees through his behavioral and attitude influence.
Reference
Case Analysis. (2015). Chapter Three: Learning, Motivation and Performance. New York: Routeledge Publishing.