Final answer:
Effective reduction of employee denial is best achieved through providing constructive feedback, as it focuses on growth rather than punishment. It is important for feedback to be clear and empathetic, encouraging an open mindset towards improvement. Strict rules and competition, or ignoring concerns, may heighten defensiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce employee denial or defensive reactions, the most effective strategy among the options is providing constructive feedback. Constructive feedback helps employees understand what they are doing well and where they can improve. It steers clear of purely punitive measures such as formal negative sanctions and focuses on helping employees grow and succeed, which may include informal positive sanctions to reinforce good behaviors. Moreover, feedback should be delivered in a manner that is clear and empathetic, which involves choosing your words carefully and staying calm during the discussion. Employees should feel supported rather than attacked, promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement. Additionally, it's essential for employees to be open to feedback, which aligns with the principles of a good work culture as per the SHRM guidelines. Encouraging this mindset mitigates defensiveness as employees will be more likely to see feedback as a tool for their own development.
In contrast, strategies such as implementing strict rules and promoting competition within the team could potentially increase anxiety and defensiveness, rather than fostering an environment where employees feel they can learn from their mistakes. Ignoring employee concerns is equally counterproductive, as it can lead to resentment and disengagement.