Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

According to reinforcement theory, what should managers do to encourage desired employee behavior?

1. Ignore negative behaviors

2. Arrange consequences that reinforce desired behaviors

3. Employ more frequent punishments

4. Resist giving any feedback

The correct answer is: Arrange consequences that reinforce desired behaviors

Reinforcement theory is based on the idea that behavior is influenced by the consequences that follow it. To encourage desired employee behavior, managers should arrange consequences that reinforce those behaviors. This means that when an employee performs a desired action, they should receive positive reinforcement, such as praise, rewards, or other incentives that make them feel good about their actions. This not only encourages the individual to repeat the behavior but also fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. By implementing positive reinforcement, managers can guide their team toward the behaviors that align with organizational goals. This approach promotes a culture of recognition and motivates employees to engage consistently in behaviors that contribute to overall success. In contrast, ignoring negative behaviors, employing punishments, or providing no feedback at all would not effectively cultivate a motivated or engaged workforce, as these strategies fail to acknowledge and reward the desired actions.