Actually Quote by Barry Schwartz
“When you rely on incentives, you undermine virtues. Then when you discover that you actually need people who want to do the right thing, those people don't exist because you've crushed anyone's desire to do the right thing with all these incentives.”
About This Quote
Excessive reliance on external rewards erodes intrinsic moral drive, leaving a workforce lacking genuine ethical commitment.
In simple terms: Incentives can diminish virtue.
Key Takeaway
Too many rewards kill inner motivation.
Themes
ethics
motivation
behavioral economics
leadership
organizational culture
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
critical
Type
advice
observation
reflection
When to use this quote
- designing employee bonus systems
- public policy on welfare
- educational grading practices
Key Concepts
intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
moral hazard
human nature
Practical Applications
- restructuring incentive schemes
- cultivating purpose-driven cultures
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations balance incentives with fostering intrinsic values?
- What mechanisms preserve moral agency amid reward structures?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that well-designed incentives can complement, not replace, virtue by aligning self-interest with ethical outcomes.
