Union vs Emanuel

mac · Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:53 pm Post subject:

It is now clear to me that insults are ok when written by mrgybe and repeated. We are to accept the term "absurd" for an insightful and substantive discussion.

To return to the context of the Herzberg article, which I had not read, and the Hierarchy of Needs, which I read many years ago, financial motivation is neither the primary nor the most effective motivator in people's work environment. Herzberg has it 11th, but I doubt that mrgybe actually read the article before chanting about how absurd it is. The Hierarchy argument, as I recall, is that financial incentives are strong to a point--to get a job, and to get enough money to survive--but then are less important. This is the exact opposite of mrgybe's obsessive belief and argument. My experience in managing people for over twenty years is exactly as Herzberg states--achievement and the quality and importance of work are what motivate people in their work environment.

Applying this, then, to the Chicago teachers. The dilemma in teaching, particularly in difficult school districts, is attracting and keeping quality teachers. As noted earlier, nearly half quit within 5 years and it takes five to seven years to develop the necessary skills. Now conservatives are conservative because they believe, as a virtually religious matter, that people are evil and selfish and must be controlled. Applying this theory to any endeavor with an evaluation system that seeks to reward a few people very highly, and terminate as many as 10%, is essentially guaranteed to send everyone looking for a new place to work.

The reasoned response by mrgybe to Herzberg's article, which cited 6 studies replicating the essential factors? Absurd. Now I get it--that was substantive, not insulting. Sorry, my bad.

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

coboardhead · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 4303

It appears that, perhaps, Mrgybe has chosen the wrong venue for his claims on the importance of compensation in choosing career and employment opportunities. Windsurfers are similar to drug addicts. We will do anything for our fix of sailing. Including selecting jobs in locations that allow sailing at reduced compensation. In my case, I have turned down lucrative contracts that might interupt my baja trips.

I tabulated a list of wealthy docs I know as I was biking today. About a dozen that have never needed to work. They were born into substantial wealth. If compensation were so important, how does one explain an OBGyn I know that works 60 hours a week when he doesn't need to work at all? This is not an isolated incidence in my circle of friends. Maybe it is the group we choose to associate with that have different priorities.

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

You people should try spending some time in the real world where most people live and are trying to get ahead by making more money working two jobs, getting more qualifications, striving for promotions or moving their families to different cities/ countries. I have been that route, and those multitudes who have followed the same path will laugh at all this "it's all about the vibe man" bollocks. Thank God most people don't think that working hard to improve one's lot in life is somehow unworthy.

coboardhead · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 4303

Mrgybe wrote

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

How about an eight day teachers strike in Chicago for a start?

coboardhead · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 4303

So, Chicago teachers strike was primarily about compensation? And, because of this data, most teachers are in it for the bucks?

mrgybe · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 5180

If it wasn't about compensation (for longer proposed work week, for increased contributions to benefit schemes, for an evaluation system that would affect compensation) what was it about? And what was all the yelling in Wisconsin about?

coboardhead · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 4303

Don't get me wrong, I do not believe in public employee unions. And, as a licensed professional, I bite my tongue when teachers describe themselves as professionals...real professionals would never abandon their position due to a collective bargaining position (IMO).

I just disagree with how cavilier you are in dismissing those of us who make career decisions that are not based primarily on compensation. Extrapolating your interpretation of the Chicago strike to teachers in general. is where I make an exception in this context.