Rewards

Edward de Bono’s Message

Rewards are a powerful way of producing change, though subject to certain limitations. We tend to think of rewards in terms of cash or presents; the model here is getting one’s way through bribery. Unfortunately, the more rewards are used, the weaker the effect.

To achieve the same result, the price has to be increased. Another problem is that the recipient can become satiated. Money can become as meaningless to the rich man as sweets can become nauseating to the child with a full stomach.

It has been shown that rewards can be effective, if given intermittently, so these problems can be partly overcome.