Perceived effectiveness of reward and punishment strategies used in Hong Kong secondary schools were investigated. A total of 371 male and female students from three Form 4 secondary schools responded to the reward and punishment scenarios. Results indicated that effective strategies are those that facilitate alternative behaviour. More punishment strategies used for poor behaviour were perceived as effective than those used for poor work. Gender and achievement levels had an effect on perception: Girls responded more to person oriented strategies than boys while low achievers reported more strategies as ineffective than did high achievers. Implication for pastoral practices were discussed.