Effort is Associated with Moral Character

Research shows that people tend to associate effort with moral character. Regardless of the outcome or productivity, individuals who put in more effort are often seen as more competent and morally good. This belief is not limited to a particular culture or country, and it extends beyond the Protestant work ethic. Even hunter-gatherer communities value hard work as a sign of good character. Effort moralization serves a purpose at the individual level, as it signals trustworthiness and reliability. However, when this belief is scaled up to the societal level, it can create perverse incentives and prioritize activity over productivity.