Final answer:
The most common forms of reinforcement used by managers to foster learning in employees are positive reinforcement and extinction. Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior, while extinction decreases behavior when a reinforcing consequence is removed. These methods are considered constructive and do not involve harsh punishments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In general, positive reinforcement and extinction should be the most common forms of reinforcement used by managers to create learning among their employees. The correct answer to the question is 'positive reinforcement; extinction.' Positive reinforcement involves adding a desirable stimulus to increase a behavior, such as praise or a bonus for a job well done. This approach is favored because it not only encourages repetition of the rewarded behavior but also contributes to a positive work environment. On the other hand, extinction in this context refers to the decrease in behavior that occurs when a previously reinforced behavior is no longer followed by reinforcing consequences, thereby reducing the occurrence of unwanted behaviors without the use of punishment.
In the realm of operant conditioning, negative reinforcement is also used, but it involves removing an aversive stimulus to increase a behavior, such as taking away extra work when an employee complies with a request. However, managers should rely chiefly on positive reinforcement and use extinction to discourage behaviors subtly without employing harsh methods like punishment. Extinction is considered a better alternative since it allows for the decline of undesirable behaviors without the potentially negative effects of punishment.J