Carrots, Not Sticks, Motivate Workers

I have personally found this to be true. I am very motivated to work hard for a boss whom I feel is caring and competent, but have to make a hard effort to stay on task in an abusive workplace.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120620113238.htm

ScienceDaily (June 20, 2012) — What motivates people to work harder: The promise of reward or the threat of penalty?

A new study co-authored by a Michigan State University business scholar says it's the carrot -- and not the stick -- that drives productivity.

The study, which appears in The Accounting Review, challenges previous research that says the threat of penalty is more effective for getting increased effort, said Karen Sedatole, associate professor of accounting in MSU's Broad College of Business.

"Our findings show what carrots work better than sticks -- in other words, workers respond better to bonuses than penalties," Sedatole said.

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