Patterns & Metaphors
Stick and carrot processes
Template:
There are a number of situations in which people are persuaded to change their attitudes by the alternate use of pressure and encouragement. Many forms of education involve exercises under time, peer or instructor pressure alternating with interesting exploration of new material (such as with audio-visuals). Here there is also an alternation between active and passive roles. Stick and carrot techniques have long been used to motivate the people in a work or military force, as in team sport training. They are also used in executive training, occasionally in a very severe form (e.g. some staff colleges and Japanese management motivation courses). Such techniques have also been applied to brainwashing and interrogation using the classic alternation between nice guy (violence) in a two man team.
Metaphor:
This suggests the value for a society of alternating between response to challenge and peaceful relaxation. It is the alternation which promotes development.
[Features] Such techniques alternate between building up and testing/questioning (or even destroying) self-confidence so that the person is forced to look for a new position of equilibrium. It is the displacement to a new position which can constitute positive change.
[Contrast] This process is not consciously applied by large social groups but it is possible that societies engage in it through the manner in which crises are engendered. Note also the challenge and response theory of history.
[Keys] The educational problems of how much pressure and how much 'nourishment' and for what periods. How to determine when the technique is being abused, especially if the participants are there voluntarily.<
