Second, rewards cause disruptions in relationships, especially when competition is involved.he rivalry for academic promotions is a case in point.hird, giving rewards avoids finding out the reasons for behaviour. Promising high marks for good work is diversionary if a student is having problems at home. Fourth, people seeking rewards avoid risks, because they do just what is required for the reward. I've mentioned these findings to several people.here are two common questions. Kohn has a chapter on this.
Praise can be counterproductive too.
For example, he cites a study showing that children who are often praised for their generous acts actually show somewhat less generosity than those who aren't praised. Not all words of support are counterproductive, but certainly those intended to manipulate behaviour are. Rewards are a quick fix. Promoting appropriate behaviours relies on a range of techniques, depending on what is to be achieved.hree key considerations are having something worthwhile to do, working collaboratively rather than competitively and having a say in how things are done. Applying the insights from Punished by Rewards to higher education would entail dramatic changes.