Put eight monkeys in a room. In the middle of the room is a ladder, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling. Each time a monkey tries to climb the ladder, all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the ladder, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up. Soon, none of the eight monkeys ever attempts to climb the ladder. One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the ladder, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the ladder. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him silly. He has no idea why.

However, he no longer attempts to climb the ladder. A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the ladder, but all the other monkeys hammer the crap out of him. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's
attacking the new monkey.

One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the room. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the ladder. All of them will enthusiastically beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why.

Peter Drucker, the management guru spoke about this fable while describing how any company's policies or departmental culture get established.

Regards

Debradutta

Dear deb,

Now that we have all read this story , it would be interesting to take it to the next level and brainstorm on how does one break this vicious cycle.

One obvious solution is to change all 8 monkeys at once and spray no ice water .... reward the banana eating behaviour . That would help erase collective past memory. But that would be impossible at one go in any organisation . So what is the next possible solution .

cheers

ronald

Interesting post!

Good solution but what about the major obstacles (other employees who have got used to working in this style)? Then there is the question of the middle management who would want to twist things in a manner so that they have a cushy time - either push upwards or pass it on to their subordinates.

My guess is that this organisation is a classic example where change management is needed. Hit it brick by brick but start at the top as change should be top to bottom. I would hazard a guess that such a change would see many more monkeys go out and come in at all levels.

HR Gurus?

Hi guys,
You will find that the general manager of this company is a feeling called fear because that is what has happened. I have used this fable to explain what is happening.

And that is the guy who puts the ice cold water is the owner / the top most boss. He is the one who no one wants to bell. That is what has to be sorted out and that is by suggestion, and oblique questioning as you have a fear of being thrown out!!! That last also needs to be tackled -- if you manage under fear the policies will be the way they are. You have to show the mirror else you will be as impotent as ever.

Best Regards

Pinky