TED Business Does working hard really make you a good person? | Azim Shariff
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Dec 2, 2024 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.
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The Jeff Study
- Azim Shariff's study presented a scenario where a worker named Jeff could choose between paid leave or continuing meaningless work.
- Participants viewed the "working" Jeff as less competent but more moral, demonstrating effort moralization.
Effort Moralization
- People consistently moralize effort across cultures, valuing hard work even if it's unproductive.
- This tendency isn't limited to specific work ethics; even hunter-gatherer societies value effort.
Paul's Runs
- Azim Shariff recounts his friend Paul's dedication to running, despite finding it difficult.
- This illustrated how consistent effort, even in personal pursuits, signals trustworthiness and good character.