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| Joe Bakewell. |
MOTIVATION
VS.
BEHAVIOR
(A follow-up to ‘Wasteland’)
There are
numerous studies on motivation and related behavior. My statement, “People
rarely act in a manner inconsistent with the motivational system in place for
them,” is admittedly a gross generalization and will undoubtedly be attacked by
those finding my conclusions painful.
There are
very few companies in which the CEO, or top managers, are idolized by the work
force; respect is more common. Edwin Land, the founder of Polaroid, was one of
the idolized. Employees judged themselves by the extent to which they
interfaced with Land. The company went down the tubes when Land refused to
recognize the advent of digital photography.
In politics,
the ‘Land’ phenomena is routine; subordinates are expected to be loyal, devoted
to the image and success of their candidate, or office holder. This is part of
the motivational system in place for our elected representatives (senate,
congress, president).
Money is
certainly a key motivator in DC today; possibly a top priority for some. All of
our legislators are getting rich, and recent presidents have dipped in as well,
accepting rather large post-term speaking fees.
The flow of
special interest money to politicians is aimed at limiting competition which is
the principal driver of improvements in productivity. The money is also a major
cause of the social and economic inequality in our society.
The last
motivator I’ll mention here is ‘power’ which, for some politicians, is the
ultimate upper, even when it’s only used to obstruct.
Joe Bakewell.
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