Which scenario illustrates negative reinforcement in the workplace?

• A. Providing a bonus for finishing early.
• B. Removing an aversive task after consistent performance.
• C. Fining an employee for errors.
• D. Withholding opportunities for advancement.

Answer: (B)

Negative reinforcement happens when an unpleasant condition is removed to increase the likelihood that a desired behavior will occur again. In the workplace, if an employee consistently performs well, removing an aversive task—like a tedious, burdensome assignment—after that consistent performance makes the employee more likely to keep performing well to avoid having to do that disliked task again.

The other scenarios illustrate different consequences: giving a bonus for finishing early is positive reinforcement, adding a pleasant reward to encourage the behavior. Fining for errors is punishment, introducing a penalty to discourage the errors. Withholding opportunities for advancement is negative punishment, taking away a desirable outcome to reduce the undesired behavior.