Concept:The word applauded means to praise or show approval.Explanation:The management expressed approval of the staff's hard work."Applauded" literally means to clap, but here it means praised."Commended" means praised formally or officially."Adored" means loved deeply, "encouraged" means gave support, and "recommended" means suggested as good.So the word that matches the meaning of "applauded" is "commended."Answer:B. commended