Abstract
In a social adjustment, a process of trial and error can be discerned in which alternative modes are tried as new situations emerge, provided that there is social space within the management control system to make this possible. Some alternatives are rejected because they offer disadvantages. That they do indeed offer such-and-such disadvantages is part of the heritage of the group, and this knowledge is passed on to new incumbents of roles within the group. The modes of behavior that seem to offer advantages become customary and routine, and their value is unquestioned so long as they give good results. It is not necessary to know why custom works to one's advantage; it is enough to know that it does. This chapter presents a study of output and earnings at Jay's Electrical Components. The workers at Jay's described their systematic manipulation of the incentive scheme as the fiddle. The fiddle was also a source of psychological satisfaction. It gave the workers a sense of being in control of the situation in a battle of wits with the boss. However, no worker explicitly claimed this advantage for it.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
