Incentive to participate?

[Ilja Preuß]

More than that, there is research that suggests "bribes" would also
have a strong influence on the people who "don't care" about it -
those who care about the real issue at hand.

There is strong evidence that providing a reward for an activity very
effectively destroys intrinsic motivation. So, by rewarding them, you
might well hamper the motivation of those who otherwise would care
strongly. (See the book "Punished By Rewards".)

Also, there is evidence that rewards have a strong effect on
collaboration. There is research suggesting that people just "being
tricked" into thinking about rewards in abstract terms for ten minutes
are less likely to help people in need, ask for help when they are
stuck, or even socialize with people at lunch breaks. (See
"Predictably Irrational".)

On the other hand, I would highly recommend having food at the open
space - not a fancy meal, but a buffet that people can go to
throughout the open space. Sharing food is an important social
activity that creates a lot of safety.

Cheers, Ilja

2009/8/26 Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net>:
> People susceptible to a bribe obviously care about the bribe – but one might
> ask – what else do they really care about? I would guess that in the
> situation you describe you want people who truly care about the future of
> your university. If it were me, I would just lay it out plain and clear –
> Invitation might read, “If you care about the future of Mystic U. -- Come! “
> It is a question as to whether you should leave the obvious implication
> un-stated. (If you don’t care – Don’t come.) Being a curmudgeonly sort, I
> would probably state the obvious, just in case.
>
>
>
> Seriously – participation for the sake of participation is of questionable
> value. You want to make it clear that serious business will be done, and
> only the truly serious (caring) need apply. As for the rest??? Let them go
> fishing. But for goodness sake don’t try to bribe them. Total lose/lose
> situation. I think.
>
>
>
> Harrison
>
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>
> Harrison Owen
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> ________________________________
>
> From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of David Cox
> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 4:49 PM
> To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
> Subject: Incentive to participate?
>
>
>
> My univ is considering using Open Space for strategic planning. The event
> probably will need to be held at a time when faculty are not “officially” on
> campus – before a term, during a term break, or after a term. The question
> has come up about offering an incentive (e.g., nice meal, book purchase,
> door prizes) to encourage faculty participation. A part of me wonders if
> bribing people to attend (or rewarding them depending on your perspective)
> goes against the grain of simply inviting faculty and staff to bring their
> passion to the event because they care? I would greatly appreciate hearing
> what folks on the listserv think. Thank you. David Cox
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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