Managing Homo Sapiens

The evolutionary process in general, and human evolution in particular, are basic to comprehending Homo sapiens. Human evolutionary heritage predisposes human behaviour, and that is what all management systems (including Total Quality Management) seek to affect via training, coordination, and motivation. The evidence of behavioural biology and evolutionary psychology points to two human traits that bear importantly upon the success of managerial efforts. One is the desire for distinction or social status. A comprehension of this behavioural tendency allows managers to anticipate and coordinate employee's risk-taking activities. A second prominent characteristic is the tendency to reciprocate altruism. Understanding reciprocal altruism and the trade-offs between it and status seeking assists mangers in knowing when it is productive to form work teams, and how to control and motivate teams. The evolutionary perspective we present offers insights into difficulties that frequently arise when Total Quality Management systems are implemented.

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