40 Years (and Counting): Steve Kerr Reflections on the “Folly”

Abstract

It has been more than 40 years since Steve Kerr first noted that organizations invariably violate a fundamental law of social nature by rewarding the very behaviors which they are supposedly trying to discourage, while failing to reward the behaviors they desire to reinforce. But it is simply more than a faulty reward system that has allowed these malfunctions to continue. In an engaging and thought-provoking interview reflection (and extension) on his classic management masterpiece and more, Steve Kerr provides his insights on both why the “Folly” remains as prevalent today and, equally relevant and important, provides valuable suggestions for what we can do to create better functioning organizations.