Recognition plays a crucial role in motivating individuals, as highlighted in this podcast episode that explores the dynamics of Wikipedia editors. Researchers discovered that a simple symbolic award could lead to a 20% increase in the retention of new editors, demonstrating the power of acknowledgment in fostering engagement and commitment. The discussion delves into the underlying reasons for this effect, such as social identification, status, and the feeling of being valued. Listeners are encouraged to apply these insights to their personal and professional lives by implementing self-recognition and seeking support from others. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the profound impact of feeling appreciated, not just on individual motivation, but also on creating a culture of gratitude that can inspire collective contributions to society.

Paper Referenced:

Jana Gallus (2016) Fostering Public Good Contributions with Symbolic Awards: A Large-Scale Natural Field Experiment at Wikipedia. Management Science 63(12):3999-4015.

Link - https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2540

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