Paradigms and Shared Vision LO4943

Beth Clark (eclark@atqm.advtech.uswest.com)
17 Jan 1996 09:09:32 -0700

Reply to: RE>Paradigms and Shared Vis LO4877

Barry Mallis writes:

"Playing the devil's advocate, Beth, I'd say that the relative tokenism
which implicated here still has a small place in recognition. If we go
down the ladder of abstraction to review, for instance, examples of
departmental meetings where unique recognition (plaques, pins,
certificates) and non-unique recognition (cash awards) are given, we'd
find that the recipients warm up to these things to a greater or lesser
degree. That's what the workplace proves, what the literature attests
to."

I think it's safe to say that people are motivated in different ways.
Some are motivated by recognition by peers, some by money, and others by
opportunities to go to conferences (to name a few mechanisms). Once upon
a time, the ultimate reward for a job well done was a promotion through
the ranks, maybe into management. Along with promotion came more income.
In the industries that I have worked (aerospace, telecommunications) the
incoming tide of new technologies (thanks to "Anonymous") have flattened
the hierarchy and reduced the workforce. Despite record profits and
skyrocketing executive salaries, lower level employees have seen very
little real gain in salary. Speaking for myself and many of the
colleagues, we appreciate recognition for a job well done. But we also
want management to "put their money were their mouth is" and give us more
than a 3 or 4 percent raise a year.

--
Beth Clark
eaclark@uswest.com