Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which of the following statements is the best example of positive reinforcement?

1. "You could have handled that guest a little better if you would have just offered to..."

2. "It took awhile, but you finally got it right "

3. "Keep up the good work"

4. "Let me show you how that's really done"

The correct answer is: "Keep up the good work"

The statement "Keep up the good work" is the best example of positive reinforcement because it provides an encouraging and affirmative comment about someone's performance. Positive reinforcement is a technique used to strengthen a desired behavior by acknowledging and rewarding it. In this case, the phrase highlights that the individual's efforts are being recognized and appreciated, which can motivate them to continue performing well. This type of feedback is crucial in the hospitality industry, where service quality is paramount, and encouraging employees can significantly enhance their morale and productivity. By affirmatively acknowledging good behavior, such as excellent service or teamwork, it builds a positive work environment. In contrast, the other statements do not effectively apply positive reinforcement. They may contain constructive criticism or are not sufficiently encouraging. For example, the first and fourth options imply a need for improvement without any acknowledgment of the positive aspects of the individual's performance. The second option, while somewhat positive, emphasizes the time taken rather than directly encouraging the behavior, which does not serve the same reinforcement purpose.