Self-Management in Organizational Behavior Management

Ferguson et al. (2022) wrote a story-style review about self-management at work.

They pulled together studies where employees set their own goals, tracked their own work, or gave themselves rewards.

The paper shows how these tricks can lift performance without costly supervisor checks.

The review says self-management is a cheap, low-effort way to help staff hit targets.

Tactics include simple steps like checklists, self-scoring sheets, or choosing your own break time.

No numbers are given, but the tone is upbeat: these tools are ready for real offices.

Richman et al. (2001) and Ajibola et al. (1995) already showed kids can run their own tokens and beat teacher control. Ferguson moves the same idea from classrooms to cubicles.

Heinicke et al. (2012) warned that self-management for adults with ID had lost steam. Ferguson revs the engine again, shifting focus from disability services to everyday workplaces.

Glynn (1970) proved ninth-graders could pick their own token goals and still learn. Fifty years later, Ferguson says adult workers can do the same with sales goals or safety checks.

You can cut your supervision time tomorrow. Pick one task your staff already do, ask each person to tally it on a sticky note, and let them choose a tiny reward for hitting a daily goal. No extra budget, just better numbers.