Motivations for the introduction of new environmental technology

Conference · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994

OSTI ID:10186391

Palmer, J R

While I am not a social scientist or psychologist, it is my personal observation that there are three principal motives which cause companies (and also individuals) to contribute to the common good of society. These three motives are love, fear, and greed. Of course companies and people are motivated toward positive action by many other factors such as survival, hunger, and motivated by other negative factors such as hate and revenge, but with respect to taking actions which benefit persons other than themselves, I contend that the principal factors which motivate such behavior are the three cited. Before proceeding further, let me point out that while the term {open_quotes}greed{close_quotes} has a lot of negative connotations associated with it, it can be a strong driving force for the common good. Our treasured capitalistic economic system is based upon it. Of course greed can also be a strong driving force for social destruction. Monopolies and dictatorships are also based upon greed. The trick therefore is to extract the potential social benefits from greed without causing it to turn upon the society and devour it. While I could use a more euphemistic term than greed, such as {open_quotes}profit motive{close_quotes}, to describe this motivating factor, I have chosen to stick with the term {open_quotes}greed{close_quotes} because it cuts to the level of basic human instincts, and it adds some spice to an otherwise dull subject. Let me also assure you that I am not using the term in a cynical manner. I believe that it can be a very positive force (in fact, I contend, the most effective force) in promoting the introduction of new environmental technology. But, before getting into that, let us first examine the role of the other two motives for maximizing the common environmental good: love and fear.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 10186391
• Report Number(s): CONF-9408112--1; ON: DE94019150
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200
290300
COMMERCIALIZATION
ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
HUMAN FACTORS
PROFITS
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER