Re: Incentives for TQM activities

[Myron Tribus <mtribus@home.com>]

I do not have a "sure" answer on how to recover from a situation in 
which the system of rewards replaces intrinsic motivation in 
continuous improvement.  I only know what I woul.do in such a 
situation.  I have no idea where it would lead, but this is how I 
would begin:

I would discuss the situation with all of the staff, openly.  I would 
ask for their advice on what to do now that we see that the habit of 
giving rewards for improvement has had a bad effect. First I would 
talk on a one-to-one level, then in small groups and, finally, if I 
found that there was agreement that the system is not working for the 
benefit of all, would call a large meeting and lay the issue before 
the group.  If I have done my work properly, and if the general 
culture is not overly selfish, I expect that together the staff and I 
would come to the same conclusion, the extra rewards should be 
abolished.

A change such as suggested will not come about without dedicated leadership.

Myron Tribus,  350 Britto Terrace,  Fremont, CA 94539
Ph:510 651 3641  Fax: 510 656 9875   e-mail: mtribus@home.com
There is no such thing as an immaculate perception.  What you see 
depends upon what you thought before you looked.
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