Final answer:
The "learning effect" in this scenario is an example of operant conditioning, where the consequence of reduced hours modifies the clerk's behavior. It is related to workplace behavioral concepts like the Hawthorne effect and cultural sanctions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "learning effect" described in the scenario where a sales clerk stops being rude after his hours are cut by a manager is an example of operant conditioning. This is a type of learning where behaviors are influenced by the consequences that follow them. In this case, the negative consequence of getting his hours cut served to discourage the clerk's rude behavior toward customers. This principle is similar to other behavioral responses in the workplace, like the Hawthorne effect, where employees improve their performance knowing they are being observed, or the concept of cultural sanctions which can lead to changes in behavior to avoid negative labels or punishment.
Another related concept is the self-fulfilling prophecy, where expectations influence behavior, potentially impacting outcomes, like in job interviews. Market pressure can also cause changes in behavior, as seen in businesses that adjust their practices in response to employees leaving for better opportunities. These examples all illustrate how behavioral consequences lead to changes in response, a fundamental aspect of learning in social behavior.