Wikipedia:Kindness Campaign/The essential role of recognition in volunteer communities

“ Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. ” — Cicero, Pro Plancio , 1st century BC

Kerri Walsh congratulating volunteers at the Beijing Olympics

Its nice to be nice, but even if all one cares about is the success of Wikipedia in providing reliable encyclopaedic information, the Kindness Campaign is of considerable value in adding to the motivation needed for the necessary hard work.

Clay Shirky, one of the world's leading authorities on web culture, devotes the 3rd chapter of his book Cognitive Surplus to a discussion of the importance praise and congratulation have in motivating volunteers. He specifically discusses Wikipedia as an example of this. Shirky goes on to describe various studies and experiments which show praise can be more effective as a long term motivator than tangible rewards such as money.

The importance of praise and recognition has been discussed by leading thinkers down the centuries.

“ The desire of the approbation and esteem of those we live with, which is of such importance to our happiness, that we cannot be fully and entirely contented but by rendering ourselves the just and proper objects of those sentiments. ” — Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Robert Shiller, in his 2012 book Finance and the Good Society, asserts that the importance of praise and recognition in motivating constructive behaviour has been confirmed by numerous recent studies by behavioural economists and psychologists.

Praise can be overdone.

Excessive use of praise can reduce its value. This is especially the case with inattentive and overdone praise, such as saying “incredible work” in response to an average piece of editing. This is not to say praise should only be given for high-quality work. An old Danish proverb holds that "Praise a fool, and you may make him useful." This effect is perhaps most evident to those who like to attend gigs. Young bands are often nervous while performing their first few numbers, but if given a positive reception, they usually go on to perform well for the rest of the gig; while if excessively booed, they rarely improve. The same effect can apply to Wikipedia newbies.

Some argue that being praised too often can even cause recipients to become neurotic and excessively eager to please. Honest criticism is sometimes invaluable to the over-confident or those suffering from misapprehensions. Strongly worded criticism can sometimes be the best way to stop them pursuing a destructive course of action. In situations where there is excessive social pressure to always be positive, it can even be a heroic act to point out faults. But this is rare. In the workplace managers are often advised to praise at least five times as frequently as they criticise. Many a promising professional and personal relationship has been ended by those who don't heed the saying that one angry word can outweigh ten kind ones. For an excellent example of getting the balance right on Wikipedia, check out how the phenomenal WTT interacts with mentees over at adoption central.

“ Don't look for the flaws as you go through life. And even when you find them, It is wise and kind to be somewhat blind. And look for the virtue behind them. ” — Ella Wilcox, As you go through life