The surprising truth about what motivates us ...
- Thread starter ReiKo
- Start date
OnyxSSS
Forum Member
how does capitalism then tie into motivation? if we agree that from this vid that $$ is not a good motivator for performing tasks that require some thought...and when tested in india, the people that made the most $$ did the worst on the task, How can we continue to push a direction that will not help people devlop better techinolgies? and if anything motivate people in the oppsite direction?
FlyLike
Club Member
No. What the video was saying that statistically, people do no develop the *best* ideas when pressured by money. The video shows that if an employer says "Come up with a good idea and we'll give you money" doesn't work as well as someone sitting at home making something by themselves for fun.
Take a look at any software you use for free. Most of those were made by people that wanted to do it for fun, and the fact that they wanted to better the world by giving it away, but in turn, profited ridiculously.
Example: Google.
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FlyLike
Club Member
It has nothing to do with capitalism or socialism. It's just saying that a person is bound to be more innovative if they want to do something for fun knowing their work might benefit others, rather than being told they will be given monetary reward for being innovative. The video implies (or states, scientifically based on tests) that a person is going to be more creative without the over-looming pressure of "if you DONT develop something unique and better, then no reward for you."
The video does not promote nor demote either capitalism or socialism in any way. Nor is it saying that people want to work for free.
OnyxSSS
Forum Member
I thought it said that if money is no longer an issue, meaning the worker is getting paid enuff to live (meeting basic Maslow heirchy of needs) that they do not need more money to motivate them...there needs are meet more money or more extrinsic rewards will result in less intrinsic motivation to perform tasks that require deep thought...
FlyLike
Club Member
I think it implies that a person is still going to work for what they are worth. Only hippies would work for basic needs and try to give their lives away for others 
Go back and re-watch the example with the software company. The people there are probably raking in some serious cash, but they need those "free days" to help spark some new thoughts. The video doesn't try to express any extremist viewpoints at all. That real word example of the software company was great.
Go back and re-watch the example with the software company. The people there are probably raking in some serious cash, but they need those "free days" to help spark some new thoughts. The video doesn't try to express any extremist viewpoints at all. That real word example of the software company was great.
OnyxSSS
Forum Member
what are people worth? Is that an evaluation that is made with $$? I know here on MM 'hippie, democrat, educated,liberal...are all bad words, so as a father I do it daily. work all day/week to feed the family, what ever is left will support them...constantly giving my life to others in a hope that when I need others I will have had done my part...I think it implies that a person is still going to work for what they are worth. Only hippies would work for basic needs and try to give their lives away for others
I was at the 'make' faire this weekend and I saw quite a few people with very cool stuff, it was not about them getting rich or trying to make $$ because that would take away some of the intrinsic motivation that is naturally drinvg people to do things with out $$.
With the instability in the finical markets I would be ready for life with out money...getting to that point will kill most of us .
Roadrage
Easily Irritated
It must be a different world reading things through your eyes. The majority or people on MM, and in general, don't think education is a bad thing, they think that people who do not want to work hard but think they deserve the same rewards as those who do are the problem. I know you think liberal and educated go hand in hand, but that is not the case.
FlyLike
Club Member
People absolutely hold a dollar value. But nobody is selling you other than yourself, that goes for everyone. You are correct in saying that MM doesn't like hippies, but there are a LOT of educated people here and I'd say most of them conservative as well. Education != Liberal. I go to U of M and know plenty of conservatives there, I would not consider myself conservative or liberal though.
hangemhigh
Club Member
interesting video. i'm left wondering how to implement some of the better points into what i do on a daily basis. i'd say mastery would be one principle i'd try to encourage with my staff. self-directing is at least as important, and something i've tried to encourage/instill for years. nevertheless, most of us (for sure my staff and i) are not innovators, but live in a heavily task-laden industry. sure, we adapt well to change, and are always open to new ideas to streamline our workload, but our daily role is to move as much product out as possible. in that environment i've found money to be by far the best motivator. feel-good group hugs, and such, don't cut it with grown men with familes trying to pay the mortage every month.
don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the free lesson, but most of the content wasn't relative to what most of us probably do.
just my $.02. ......gotta get back to work......got a car i'm building i need to pay for. now that's my motivation!!
don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the free lesson, but most of the content wasn't relative to what most of us probably do.
just my $.02. ......gotta get back to work......got a car i'm building i need to pay for. now that's my motivation!!
Really what the video implies is that self worth and the feeling of value and controbution are vastly more important then money. Explains why alot of men die shortly after they retire. I'd like to see how that data divides on the sex's.
OnyxSSS
Forum Member
I agree. so as I was trying to start some debate...does capitalism, where $$ is that motivator/reinforcer, hurt our ability to have more innovation and solve problems we have been throwing $$ at for years?
If we had a cure for cancer, in our capitalistic country, we would sell it for profit...we can see the current debate around health care, no one gives two shits about the people, they care about the profit...
Well I look back to the barter culture. I do not know if there is a Right answer. I can tell you that goverment and social ordering as we have it today simply cannot exist without money and taxation.
red347lx
Club Member
I forwarded this video to my managers and HR department at work. You would have thought I spit on their mothers for doing it. Do you think we treat you like horses one said. WTF is up with that. I told them I thought it was a good piece and was wondering if we could implement some ideas of the video at our workplace. Geez was I Wrong.
OnyxSSS
Forum Member
if we have a fincial collapse and a party that is against taxation we might be there qicker than people expect.
I love horse trading...both parties are usually very happy.