An experiment was conducted in the 1960’s to understand the origination of “culture” (i.e., how accepted norms and practices come about). Scientists were interested in understanding what drives the continuation of "culture" over the years. Their findings were fascinating.
Five Little Monkeys
The experiment started with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hung a banana on a string and below the banana was a set of stairs.
Before long, one of the monkeys took the initiative to go for the banana. As soon as he touched the stairs, the scientists used a firehose and sprayed all of the monkeys with cold water. Reeling with displeasure, the monkeys hated the experience (apparently, monkeys dislike being splashed with ice cold water...go figure!)
Then, the interesting part...they completely discontinued the cold water. They removed one monkey from the cage and replaced it with a new one. As soon as the new monkey saw the banana he went to climb the stairs. To his surprise (and horror) all of the other monkeys attacked him. After another attempt and attack, he apparently learned that if he tried to climb the stairs, he would be assaulted.
The New Guy
Next, the scientists removed another one of the original five monkeys and replaced it with a new one. Soon afterward, the newcomer went to the stairs and was attacked. What surprised them, however, is that the previous newcomer took part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
After All Was Said And Done...
Continuing, they replaced a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey attempted to climb the stairs, he was attacked. All of the monkeys that were beating him up, had no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they were participating in the flogging of the newest monkey.
Interestingly, after replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys had ever been sprayed with cold water. They had only sprayed the original group once, and only once. However, the lesson was quickly learned and passed along.
No monkey ever again approached the stairs to try for the banana. Why not?
Because, as far as they knew, "That's the way it's always been done around here." (Gee, does that sound somewhat familiar?)
Summary: Culture is a composite of social norms that are passed on through observation and experience; and, in this case conformity to those norms is socially controlled through punishment. Be conscious of the social norms you communicate to your team. That which is reinforced, ignored, or punished establishes the norm of, "That's the way it's done around here."
Kathleen Lapekas - PHR
Action HR Consulting
For Personal Attention to Personnel Matters...
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