According to reinforcement theory, what happens when high performance is not rewarded?

Reinforcement theory posits that behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it. When high performance is not rewarded, the connection between effort and outcome weakens. Consequently, employees may realize that their high performance does not lead to any reinforcement or rewards, leading to a decrease in motivation.

This lack of reinforcement creates a less rewarding environment for employees, which can deter them from striving for high performance in the future. As a result, the likelihood of employees displaying high performance decreases because they do not see a benefit in putting forth the effort if it is not recognized or rewarded. This aligns perfectly with the essence of reinforcement theory, which emphasizes the importance of rewards in sustaining desirable behavior.