Classical conditioning is the process by which individuals learn to link the information value from a neutral stimulus to a stimulus that would not naturally cause a response. It involves reflexive behavior, which is not under an individual's conscious control.
Classical conditioning includes the development of associations between someone's thoughts or feelings and particular environmental stimulus situations. However, since desired employee behaviors typically do not include reflexive responses that can be changed by using classical conditioning techniques, classical conditioning is usually not considered very applicable in the work setting.
Operant conditioning, on the other hand, refers to a process by which individuals learn voluntary behavior. In this case, it is the consequences of the behavior that influence the learning process. Many employees' work behaviors are operant behaviors.
Thus, operant conditioning is of considerable value to managers, since they can influence the results of employees' operant behaviors, and thereby manage employee performance.