[mc32]

We can compare against public sector employees.

I think we can see a difference.

It’s not that we don’t end up with “corruption” with at will policies, but it’s better for the economy to have a more dynamic workforce.

As an individual though, of course I’d like to have a guaranteed job, but… I mean then you get government performance.

Yes some people will excel despite the lack of incentive, but most will prefer to just be mediocre and get by —why not? You won’t get in trouble.

[rootusrootus]

Public sector employees tend towards mediocre because the compensation is awful. The only way to attract anybody at all who doesn't entirely suck is to offer some other less tangible perk, like job security.

[mc32]

Not all public sector jobs pay poorly.

However, there is a dynamic where good performance by employee A is frowned upon by the majority of other employees because that will expose their mediocrity. It’s a complaint I’ve heard from a couple of people who’ve worked in the public sector.