Economic Theory of Work: Dimensions and Utility

Extract

[...] According to this law, 'nature imposes limits on human activity'. The surplus use of a production factor no longer brings proportional satisfaction in terms of well-being. The author therefore thinks that the average worker tends to want to bring their overall well-being to an appreciable level, rather than pursuing a remuneration that grows indefinitely. The author is particularly interested in artisans, factory workers and those who hold a commercial job: « Artisans, factory workers, and others generally seem to prefer greater well-being over greater wealth, and thus prove that the difficulty of work varies so quickly that it easily surpasses the gain in utility. [...]

[...] He explores the link between productivity, remuneration, and motivation. Regarding the link between productivity and remuneration, the author thinks that a worker can see their remuneration increase proportionally to their productivity. Seeing their remuneration increase, the latter is inclined to work more. He might even, in the context of a basic salary on an hourly plan, be motivated by the additional gain that this will induce, to increase his working hours. The author thinks that this increase in remuneration acts as a stimulant to dedicate more time to work. [...]

[...] However, this type of profession is accompanied by a high workload. The author therefore thinks that there are professions in which success (the reward) increases the workload: « In the legal profession, medicine, and other analogous professions, it is the reputation of having a large practice that attracts new clients. It is in this way that a successful lawyer or doctor works all the more as their success increases. This result is partly due to the fact that this work is not easily susceptible of being accomplished by a substitute. [...]

[...] This exploitation can extend to races, to take advantage of their characteristics of resilience to work. Part Influence of Race and Character The author addresses the principle of the influence of character and race on work. This last one thinks that reactions to the difficulty and perception of work are functions of character traits; the more determined a person is, the less they find work to be difficult than another weaker one. Those who believe in their intrinsic ability are more likely to fully engage in the tasks assigned to them and achieve ambitious goals « It is evident that questions of this kind depend a lot on the character of the race. [...]

[...] However, it is necessary for the worker to set a limit in their pursuit of a greater gain. In fact, one must take into account the health and limits of the constraints that the body and mind can withstand. This is what the author highlights in the following paragraph. Here, the author highlights the principle of the preference of well-being over a greater remuneration. This last one explores an aspect of human behavior in the face of work. The author thinks that human beings tend to seek a balance between their work and their well-being. [...]