Over the years I have had many a heated discussion about how generally ineffective money is in motivating people. “Oh, but the only reason I go to work is to get paid” and similar…
Now, this isn't to say that there is no connection between money and how motivated someone is – just that it isn't particularly great at positively motivating.
So, here is a handy, cut-out-and-keep experiment that you can try out yourself next time you visit a restaurant that by default puts a service charge onto your bill.
At the beginning of your meal let your waiting staff know that you are not going to be requiring the (these days, usually 12.5%) service charge to be applied automatically, as you will be determining what level of reward the quality of service that you have received deserves, and paying that in cash at the end of the meal.
When I say “try out yourself”, I would suggest as a thought experiment, rather than in real, real life. Especially if you have read any of the shenanigans that go on in restaurants as documented by Anthony Bourdain.
mmitII 