#91: From co-operation to sub-optimization

Quite correctly, managers want people to co-operate. But be warned: co-operation can lead to sub-optimization.

Whenever people try to co-operate, there is a risk that everyone will ultimately perform at the level of the lowest contributor or the weakest member. This happens because (one) co-operation does not necessarily happen amongst equals; (two) the weakest member cannot hide and is aware of being weak; and (three) nobody likes feeling that they are doing more than others without receiving more in return (at least not for any length of time).

This can create a pathological state where the weak want to be ‘rescued’ and the strong wonder why they should bother. The weak sense this, and create ‘irritations’ (mainly through passive-aggressive behavior) so that the strong are kept off-balance. In this way, the weak claim some power.

The outcome? Although co-operation is meant to make all parties perform better, it more often leads to sub-optimization.


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Copyright: 2007 James Henry McIntosh

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