The following are some ways reward motivation is used:

By parents
Many parents use reward motivation on a daily basis without even knowing it! For example, telling your kids they can have dessert once they finish their dinner is a form of reward motivation, or telling them they can only watch TV once their homework is finished is also another way to use rewards as motivation. Reward motivation can be a powerful motivator to push a child to behave or complete a task.

However, some experts believe that too much reward motivation can be a bad thing. For example, if you reward your children for things like not throwing a tantrum or for doing their chores, they may come to think they deserve a treat or reward for simply behaving decently or contributing to the family. Reward motivation tends to work best when it is used sparingly.

By employers
Employers often use reward motivation to help their employees reach goals. For example, many sales teams work hard to make their sales in hopes of what are oftentimes extravagant rewards, like vacations or dinners. Rewards can also come in the form of bonuses, time off, or other enticing things. Employees who know they are rewarded for hard work often feel more appreciated and are more likely to work harder and do better work.

Rewards don't even need to be extravagant to be effective. Reward motivation can also come in the form of recognition, such as a plaque on the wall for the Employee of the Month, or a company-wide email recognizing someone for a job well done. Employees who know their employers are likely to reward good work or completion of goals with recognition are also likely to work harder on the job.

By teachers
Teachers also rely on reward motivation to help their students succeed in the classroom. For example, a teacher rewards her class with a pizza party whenever the class gets 90% or higher on the next math test. Reward motivation can also come in the form of charts or stickers; for example, students who complete their homework or read a certain number of books get to choose stickers to put on their charts. Teachers come up with all kinds of creative awards to help motivate their students to do good school work.

By individuals
Many people often use reward motivation on themselves to help them complete their own tasks. For example, people who are trying to lose weight are often advised to think of rewards for themselves when they lose a certain number of pounds; the thought of these rewards, whether they be a new, smaller pair of jeans or a trip to the day spa, are often the push they need to help them stick to their goals.

Reward motivation is a powerful, successful motivational tool used by many people, from parents to employers to teachers.