Alfie Kohn

The content is invaluable despite the frustrating constant repetition of what problems there are with rewards and their side effects.

If you expect a simple counter solution to incentives and school grades the author explains there are none, because ultimately our idea of rewards is based on the fallacy that humans can be reduced to simple behaviours. Once we move beyond this things get complicated...

Its about intrinsic motivation and the mysteries of the dynamics of conscious thoight...… (mais)

The major thesis, backed up by studies, is that rewards kill motivation and in the long term decrease performance, quality and creativity. He cites many examples from child behavior, school performance and job incentive plans. Generally, rewards create short term behavior changes, but once the rewards end, the desired behavior falls below it's initial level. What is surprising is that this was known via studies dating back into the 60s and yet management consultants and business schools assert reward programs are the way to go. As a side effect, many reward structures foster competition which is detrimental in most settings -- grades in school, bonus programs for workers, commissions for sales people, etc.… (mais)