Description
Read the following scenario and complete the requested memo.
Imagine you are the executive assistant to the new VP in undergraduate learning and teaching at UW. The VP, Dr. Pangloss, is concerned that student learning is not being maximized at UW (i.e., students are not learning as much as they could or should in their courses). To address this learning deficit, the VP has decided to implement an incentive program to encourage faculty to improve their teaching. Dr. Pangloss has settled on an incentive program that will offer very large, highly desirable, bonuses for faculty who receive outstanding student evaluations (i.e., top 15%). You are taking an organizational psychology class and have just finished reading Kerr’s article. After reflecting on this article and Dr. Pangloss’ incentive program you are convinced that it will not work. You decide to express your reservations to the VP in a written memo that details why you think his plan may backfire. In formulating this memo, explain the essence of Kerr’s central arguments to the VP and describe to him some of the possible unintended consequences of his plan in terms of faculty behaviour (i.e., behaviour that may be directly counter to the VP’s key concern).
You can complete this assignment with a friend or group of friends. You may work on this assignment with up to 3 other people (i.e., a group of up to 4 people). If you prefer to complete the assignment on your own that is fine too.
Please ensure that your memo is no more than 1.5 pages single spaced and that it is written in a way that does not use jargon (i.e., Dr. Pangloss has no knowledge of psychology or organizational behaviour).
Your memo should include a summary of Kerr’s central arguments regarding incentives and how they can backfire. As well, it should include specific speculation as to some possible unintended behavioural consequences of his incentive program.
