Contrary to classical conditioning, operant conditioning is a two-fold process of behavior learning. In operant conditioning, “action (or behavior) operates on the environment while the environment at the same time shapes behavior.” In such a manner, shaping occurs when the desired behavior is reinforced and consequently repeated, and undesired behavior is punished and decreased.
For example, in repeated actions, such as an employee submitting daily reports, the desired behavior is timely submission, reinforced by appraisal. However, late report submission is punished by deductions from the salary, which is why employees work hard to submit their reports on time. In such a manner, desired behaviors can be reinforced, and individuals can be trained.