A disincentive is something that discourages an individual from performing an action. It is the antonym of
incentive
In general, incentives are anything that persuade a person to alter their behaviour. It is emphasised that incentives matter by the basic law of economists and the laws of behaviour, which state that higher incentives amount to greater levels of ...
. Disincentives may fall within the scope of economics, social issues or politics.
Economic
Economic disincentives are any factors that demotivate an individual from following a particular path. For example, if pay for a particular task is too low, that prospective employee may choose to avoid following that particular employment route. Similarly, if an individual has a particular medical issue and the employer is unable or unwilling to accommodate his or her impediment, that individual will choose to look elsewhere for work.
Politics
The furtherance of disincentives is a tool used by politicians both in foreign policy and domestic policy. Disincentives in foreign policy are means and tactics used to deter an adversary from belligerence. In domestic policy, a disincentive is a tool that aims to deter an individual from breaking the law or otherwise reoffending.
Social
Social disincentives are things that discourage someone from performing an action in their personal life.
See also
*
Cognitive evaluation theory Cognitive evaluation theory (CET)Deci, E. L. (1975). ''Intrinsic motivation''. New York: Plenum. is a theory in psychology that is designed to explain the effects of external consequences on internal motivation. Specifically, CET is a sub-theory of ...
*
Bounty (reward)
A bounty is a payment or reward of money to locate, capture or kill an outlaw or a wanted person. Two modern examples of bounties are the ones placed for the capture of Saddam Hussein and his sons by the United States government and Microsoft' ...
References
{{reflist
Motivation