Punished By Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition

Punished by Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition by Alfie Kohn presents a compelling critique of the traditional carrot-and-stick approach to motivation and behaviour management. The book explores an enlightening narrative through a wealth of research and real-world examples, challenging widely accepted practices in parenting, education, and management. Kohn argues that conventional reward systems, equating to ‘do this, and you’ll get that’, may offer short-term compliance, but they ultimately undermine creativity, intrinsic motivation, and long-term effectiveness.

Since its original publication in 1993, this seminal work has resonated with countless individuals who have witnessed the limitations and adverse effects of rewards and punishment. Kohn casts doubt on the reliance on incentives—be they candies dangled before children, grades used to push students, or commissions thrown at workers. His incisive analysis reveals how these motivators can erode the quality of performance and diminish genuine interest in the tasks at hand.

In this revised edition, supplemented with a major new afterword, Kohn not only reinforces his arguments with updated reflections and research but also provides practical strategies to foster environments where people are motivated by the inherent rewards of the tasks themselves. He suggests a move away from reliance on external incentives to cultivating intrinsic motivation, which he believes is more sustainable and fulfilling.

The book delves into how praise, often considered a positive incentive, can function as a form of bribery, enticing children to become dependent on external approval rather than developing their values and self-motivation. Kohn's assertion that ‘rewards and punishments are two sides of the same coin—and the coin doesn’t buy much’ is a thought-provoking take-away, raising awareness of how these methods may do more harm than good.

With his signature blend of wit and practical advice, Kohn presents an argument that is as provocative as it is persuasive. Punished by Rewards prompts readers to reconsider traditional practices and to seek more nuanced and effective ways to inspire authentic motivation, creativity, and responsibility in children, students, and employees alike. This edition serves not only as a reflection on past practices but as a beacon for transformative approaches to human interaction and motivation.