The Behaviorist Approach. By Dr. Saul McLeod, updated 2020. Behaviorism, also known as behavioral psychology, is a theory of learning which states all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment through a process called conditioning. Thus, behavior is simply a response to environmental stimuli.

Humanistic therapy is a mental health approach that emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. Humanistic therapy also involves a core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves.

According to the instinct theory of motivation, all organisms are born with innate biological tendencies that help them survive. This theory suggests that instincts drive all behaviors. Instincts are goal-directed and innate patterns of behavior that are not the result of learning or experience.

Behaviorists believe that if teachers provide positive reinforcement, or rewards, whenever students perform a desired behavior, they will learn to perform the behavior on their own. The same concept applies to punishments. Behaviorists think people act in response to internally or externally generated physical stimuli.

The behavioral approach focuses exclusively on what leaders do and how they act. The central purpose of the behavioral approach is to explain how leaders combine these two kinds of behaviors to influence followers in their efforts to reach a goal. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the behavioral approach.

The Characteristics & Qualities of a Good Leader

• Integrity.
• Ability to delegate.
• Communication.
• Self-awareness.
• Gratitude.
• Learning agility.
• Influence.
• Empathy.