Does working hard really make you a good person? | Azim Shariff
Dec 2, 2024
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Azim Shariff, a social psychologist focusing on morality and work, challenges the belief that hard work equates to moral goodness. He discusses how this perception can harm personal and professional lives, promoting a mindset shift towards meaningful productivity. Shariff explores cultural attitudes towards effort and output, revealing the psychological implications of 'workism.' He suggests that we should respect colleagues' time and rethink what really defines our moral worth in the workplace.
The societal belief that hard work equates to moral goodness often overlooks the importance of meaningful contributions and actual productivity.
Shifting focus from glorifying effort to valuing tangible outcomes could enhance workplace satisfaction and efficiency, combating unhealthy work habits.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Tipping Etiquette
Determining how much to tip has become complex, with increasing expectations for gratuity across various services. The decision often involves personal judgments about the service quality, such as whether the Uber driver was timely or the massage therapist attentive. This reflects a broader cultural shift where tipping is expected in situations that previously did not warrant it, which can lead to confusion and discomfort for many. The challenge lies in navigating when and how much to tip, which raises questions about fairness and the value we place on hard work in different contexts.
Effort as a Measure of Morality
Effort is often perceived as a moral quality, leading to a cultural bias that values hard work over actual productivity. For instance, research indicates that individuals who exert more effort, even without increasing the quality or quantity of output, are viewed as more virtuous and reliable partners. This perspective is evident across different cultures, as studies suggest that societies worldwide share a common belief in the moral implications of effort. The idea that hard work equates to good character can have detrimental effects, as people may prioritize mere activity over meaningful contributions.
The Problem with Workism and Perverse Incentives
The cultural phenomenon of workism fosters an environment where effort is glorified, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and inefficiencies in the workplace. In an effort to compete for recognition, employees may extend their work hours or engage in unnecessary tasks, which ultimately detracts from their overall productivity and personal well-being. This tendency can create a cycle where the appearance of hard work is prioritized over achieving tangible results, reinforcing unhealthy work habits. To counter this, it is essential to redefine success in the workplace, focusing on meaningful outcomes rather than simply the effort expended.
Around the world, people who work hard are often seen as morally good — even if they produce little to no results. In this episode, we're revisiting a talk by social psychologist Azim Shariff, in which he analyzes the roots of this belief and suggests a shift towards a more meaningful way to think about effort, rather than admiring work for work's sake. After the talk, Modupe delves deeper into Shariff’s research – and what our focus should actually be on at work.