Can one motivate people to do something that doesn't involve personal gain (i.e. money, benefits, time)?
I am simply wondering about this question because I want to add to my personal thinking of economics. I want to find out about another universal motivator to get people to act, participate, join, or work. I can only think of taking advantage of people's feelings and morals other than the understanding that people want some sort of personal gain to reach a higher standard of living.
#economy
3 answers
Anthony’s Answer
It would depend on what that "something" is. For example, if you want to encourage people to help those that are struggling or suffering in some way, you would appeal to their sense of empathy for others. Consider commercials and mailers for charitable organizations like SmileTrain or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital -- these campaigns appeal to our sense of caring and elicit a sense of duty to those less fortunate.
You can also motivate people by showing them that they will be part of something where the end goal is worthwhile. Think of this in the context of environmental campaigns (like a beach clean-up day) -- people are willing to give of their time and effort for no pay in order to beautify and clean a shared resource. You often of someone creating a "vision" that others can believe in. That vision may have a value that far outweighs any consideration of monetary reward or personal gain.
Consider citizens who take an active role in their government and attend board meetings -- they are sometimes motivated because of how a law or regulation may affect them personally. But they are also motivated by how others will be affected. Or because they have strong opinions on the principles of an issue. So yes, you can motivate people to do something that doesn't involve their personal gain -- so long as you show them that the outcome itself has value.
Neil’s Answer
A philanthropic person gives to feed the hungry, not because they are afraid that they will be in that situation, but because doing so makes them feel better. Whether it is a sense of the "right thing to do", paying back for some past kindness or balancing out some other part of their life, it somehow adds value to them. While you wouldn't necessarily label that personal gain, it is in some way aligned to their values and is positively impacting them.
The subtext to your question is really how do you motivate people. There are many mainstream ways - fortune and fame are obvious, but it really breaks down to understanding peoples values and aligning what you need them to do with that. That is easier to do at 1:1 level when you know the person, but harder at the group level. At the group level you are unlikely to get everyone to align and be passionate about it. From a business perspective, aligning people to a shared vision and keeping people focused on that journey is a challenging, yet effective management practice. You need to make that vision tangible and meaningful (and not just about revenue and profits!)
Shruti’s Answer
Motivating your team or group of students you are associated with is very encouraging. Its more about how much you are willing to be a part of somebody's success. I had been tutoring my students at Cleveland State University. It was not only challenging to help students learn but also a satisfaction about how I could do a bit to make their education easy and interesting. I have always been around students trying to know their issues, weakness or things they run from. Instead of using the routine techniques of just providing solutions, I would rather explain the terms and help them solve the problems even if they are doing it wrong.
That's the most important step in motivating others. Let them initiate the growth just to realize what all they are capable of.
Shruti recommends the following next steps: