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 .