Passage 1: The Illusion of Productivity
In contemporary workplaces, the concept of productivity has undergone a subtle yet profound transformation, one that is often difficult to detect precisely because it is so deeply embedded in everyday routines. Although organizations claim to prioritize efficiency, their internal cultures often (16) ______ behaviors that are more symbolic than substantive. For instance, workers who remain online late into the evening may be perceived as more dedicated, even if their actual contributions are minimal. Over time, this dynamic can (17) ______ genuine innovation, as individuals become more concerned with maintaining appearances than with taking intellectual risks.
Moreover, as digital tools make it increasingly easy to monitor activity, managers may (18) ______ quantitative indicators, such as response times or logged hours, at the expense of more nuanced assessments of performance. This reliance on superficial metrics not only distorts evaluation processes but also fosters a sense of disillusionment among employees, who may feel that their efforts are being misunderstood or undervalued.
Paradoxically, the more organizations attempt to measure productivity, the more they risk (19) ______ the very qualities that drive meaningful work, including creativity, critical thinking, and long-term problem-solving. If left unaddressed, this trend could ultimately (20) ______ both individual motivation and organizational effectiveness.

16. ______

(A) discourage

(B) incentivize

(C) overlook

(D) neutralize