P a ge 21 t opside V olume 114, I s s u e 1
A Critical Look at Incentives( Continued)
As previously stated, incentives are intended to alter behavior. The following are just a few examples of unintended negative consequences that a poorly structured competitive incentive may promote.
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A Flotilla ' s chances of winning a competitive award may be increased if a Flotilla does not invite competitors to participate in vessel examination, public affairs or member training opportunities. A Flotilla ' s chances of winning a competitive award may be increased if certified members of a competing Flotilla do not fulfill currency requirements and go into REYR. A Flotilla ' s chances of winning a competitive award may be increased if a large Flotilla continues to recruit new prospective members instead of introducing the recruits to a very small nearby Flotilla that is struggling to recruit new members. A competitive incentive may reward a Flotilla if a public affairs officer who is creating a press release for a public education class or vessel examination event intentionally avoids including similar activities of competing nearby Flotillas in the release. A Flotilla ' s chances of winning a competitive award for the most average mission hours per Flotilla member may be increased by: � finding ways to encourage the disenrollment of " minimal producers ". � limiting new member recruiting to people who will increase the Flotilla ' s average mission hours per member.
A productive approach to competitive incentives
On the other hand, it is possible to avoid the unintended negative consequences of poorly structured competitive incentives. Perhaps a Division has a place in its publication or website for Flotillas to offer an invitation to competing Flotillas to participate in activities such as public affairs / vessel safety check events, member training opportunities, public education instruction opportunities, etc. The Division offers a competitive award to the Flotilla that submits the most invitations to competing Flotillas. The award criteria is simple and easy to understand. In this example, teamwork and cooperation are encouraged and unhealthy behaviors and motivations are avoided.
Summary of an effective incentive program Incentives are important and should motivate us toward altering our behavior in ways that are consistent with the goals of the Auxiliary. An incentive should not create resentment that interferes with the fellowship that is important to the health of the Auxiliary and should promote teamwork and cooperation. An Auxiliarist should not have to choose between having the best chance to win an incentive and actions that are consistent with the Auxiliary ' s missions. The Auxiliary ' s mission must take priority. After all, that is why we are proud to call ourselves shipmates- members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.