http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&feature=player_embedded
Summary for those who're too busy to youtube:
* Higher Pay for Higher Performance => HIGH PERFORMANCE in physical Jobs, but zero to negative correlation with creative jobs performance
* Purpose + Opportunity to master something + Self-Directed => HIGH PERFORMANCE in creative jobs (as long as normal money needs are met)
This sounds reasonable. The only conclusion I find a bit unscientific is that Higher monetary rewards lead to Lower performance in Creative jobs. Come on!!! I agree that Purpose etc has a bigger impact, but who doesn't want more money? May be the catch is "as long as normal money needs are met".
Let's do an informal survey: Do you do weekend projects to improve your skills and to contribute to the world? With almost no hope of making any money? Please post in the comments and plug for what you do!
My Answer: Yes. That's how our site Alertpedia started: To spread information fast so that people don't die from Tsunamis and people save money from knowing the best deals out there. Let's see if it fits the bill above.
* Expertise: Web site development, PHP, CSS, Dreamweaver, Web site parsing, Google Adsense
* Self-directed: Of course.
* Purpose: Save lives and money.
* Money: We made ZERO from it. We spent countless hours and small budget to run the site
* Would we have worked harder for money? A lot of it - Yes. A little bit more - Nah. Becomes obligatory, not fun and uplifting mission-like
* Motivated? a BIG YES!!
Do you agree with the study? Differ? Any examples to make your case?
thanks, vishy
innovate & impact
:-) I agree that the catch is 'as long as normal money needs are met'. I have done free weekend projects with the purpose to learn.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has 'hot buttons' and though the big motivators are Money, Power, Status and Fame, something that promises 'purpose' is the best way to get people committed for creative tasks.
Purpose makes someone believe in the task and 'Choose-to-Work' rather than 'Have-to-Work'.
Physical tasks that don’t require any creativity are mostly process oriented and it's easier to follow instructions whereas creative tasks require someone to get into the zone.
'Have-to-Work' works for physical tasks whereas 'Choose-to-Work' is needed for creativity.
People normally don't get into the zone without a sense of belief or choice. For creative tasks 'Purpose' without 'Money' is still good. A purpose like Alertpedia's 'save life' goes beyond the organization and can be a super motivator. That strikes a chord instantly. 'Money' without 'Purpose' could decrease the motivation to perform creative tasks because of internal conflict. Imagine asking Tracy Chapman to write a diamond advertisement song for Multi-Million dollars! A combination of 'Money' and 'Purpose' could be a formidable combo though.
Nice one. Keep blogging and best wishes at work
ReplyDeleteP.R