Final answer:
A thank-you letter is an example of an intangible reward as it represents acknowledgment or incentive that cannot be physically touched, unlike monetary rewards. It is a form of psychological compensation and recognition offered within the workplace.
Step-by-step explanation:
An intangible reward is a type of recognition or incentive that cannot be physically touched or held, unlike tangible rewards such as money or gifts. These rewards often come in the form of personal acknowledgment, professional growth opportunities, or positive reinforcement of values and behaviors. In the context of the given options for this question, A. A thank-you letter is an example of an intangible reward.
In the workplace, a thank-you letter serves as a personalized expression of appreciation and recognition of an individual's efforts or contributions. It is not a monetary reward like a bonus check, gift card, or wage raise, but rather a form of emotional or psychological compensation.
Consider the scenario of the businessman mentioned: he finds solace in the idea that "hard work is its own reward". This is symbolic of the personal satisfaction and internal fulfillment one might derive from a job well done, further underscoring the nature of intangible rewards.