The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics
467. The Streak End Rule: Revolutionizing Motivation with Polly Kang
Jan 30, 2025
Dr. Polly Kang, a postdoctoral scholar at INSEAD, discusses her groundbreaking research on the 'streak end rule' and its effects on workplace motivation and job satisfaction. She reveals how reordering tasks can significantly decrease employee turnover—by up to 22%! Polly emphasizes the importance of balancing challenging and enjoyable tasks and shares insights from a study on a crisis hotline. Her findings provide practical strategies for organizations to enhance job design without resorting to financial incentives, leading to happier, more committed employees.
49:53
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Quick takeaways
- The streak end rule reveals that alternating challenging tasks with easier ones can significantly reduce employee turnover and enhance job satisfaction.
- Effective job design, influenced by understanding task sequence and employee behavior, can effectively improve motivation without relying on financial incentives.
Deep dives
Understanding Task Assignment Strategies
Effective task assignment strategies significantly impact employee motivation and job satisfaction. Research indicates that traditional methods, such as prioritizing either the easiest tasks or hardest tasks first, are not optimal. Instead, interspersing challenging tasks with easier ones can enhance overall job satisfaction and reduce the likelihood of employees quitting. This insight emphasizes the importance of rethinking how tasks are approached in the workplace to create a more balanced work experience.
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