Question

Sloan is a believer of the carrot-and-stick approach to behavior modification. As a leader, he reprimands his workforce and makes negative statements when his employees don't behave in a desired manner. He recently cut 20 percent of his marketing manager's salary for poor performance. Which form of reinforcement does Sloan use?
a. Positive reinforcement
b. Negative reinforcement
c. Punishment
d. Extinction

Answer 1

Sloan has adopted the “punishment” form of reinforcement towards his employees.

Explanation:

Punishment at the workplace means when new adopted changes or behavior lead to negative consequences at the workplace.

Sloan’s method of awarding only when the employees perform well is a case of the same. His action of deducting the employee's salary by 20 percent too would not positively encourage them to perform well, but lead to dissatisfaction and contempt towards him.