Motivate or punish?

[sandiego_DUde]

It seems to me that you're saying that without partying, people have no incentive to do anything. Being a member of a fraternity enables you to certain privileges, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. SOE, BS though it may often be, is not optional and Fraternity is an obligation. Since my guys obviously don't feel the need naturally, lighting a little fire under them couldn't really hurt. It'll definitely test their commitment and if they want to drop, I guess it's not the end of the world; we'll get more in the fall.

To use parties as the only incentive gives, in my opinion, the wrong impression of what we stand for. I'm set on the "points" idea, regardless of potential negative side effects while people get used to it, because I feel like it's for the best in the long run. I'm wondering whether any chapters have incentives/punishments that are effective other than fines and social probation?

[Gusteau]

Originally Posted by sandiego_DUde

It seems to me that you're saying that without partying, people have no incentive to do anything. Being a member of a fraternity enables you to certain privileges, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. SOE, BS though it may often be, is not optional and Fraternity is an obligation. Since my guys obviously don't feel the need naturally, lighting a little fire under them couldn't really hurt. It'll definitely test their commitment and if they want to drop, I guess it's not the end of the world; we'll get more in the fall. To use parties as the only incentive gives, in my opinion, the wrong impression of what we stand for.

I think what RU OX Alum means is that parties is really the base level of fraternal involvement. I'm not talking about big events either, hanging our in a party setting with your brothers is a pretty standard - and it doesn't compromise "what we stand for." So if your chapter isn't doing the basic stuff you probably aren't doing much else of anything. If you want an incentive for your members try giving them something to do in the chapter. You need to go back to the core and figure out why they joined, and what hasn't lived up to their expectation.

Originally Posted by sandiego_DUde

I'm set on the "points" idea, regardless of potential negative side effects while people get used to it, because I feel like it's for the best in the long run. I'm wondering whether any chapters have incentives/punishments that are effective other than fines and social probation?

If you're set on doing something we've told you doesn't work go for it, but don't ask for advice if you're not going to consider it.

Also, fines work; I hate it when chapter's don't fine.

[RU OX Alum]

Originally Posted by sandiego_DUde

It seems to me that you're saying that without partying, people have no incentive to do anything. Being a member of a fraternity enables you to certain privileges, but it also comes with certain responsibilities. SOE, BS though it may often be, is not optional and Fraternity is an obligation. Since my guys obviously don't feel the need naturally, lighting a little fire under them couldn't really hurt. It'll definitely test their commitment and if they want to drop, I guess it's not the end of the world; we'll get more in the fall.

To use parties as the only incentive gives, in my opinion, the wrong impression of what we stand for. I'm set on the "points" idea, regardless of potential negative side effects while people get used to it, because I feel like it's for the best in the long run. I'm wondering whether any chapters have incentives/punishments that are effective other than fines and social probation?

True, but if the responsibilities outweigh the priveledges, it becomes a total waste of time. Which is why your brothers aren't showing up when you want them to. Basically, if I were your brother, what I would basically tell, if I could even be bothered, is that if I'm not cool enough for the friday night party (you're college and it's friday night, if you're not partying something is wrong with you) then I'm not cool enough to go with you to SoE.