WHAT motivates you to solve a company's operational problem? The answer to that question depends on where you are seated. To be exact, to whoever is approving your pay and perks. Ordinarily, a minimum wage worker and their line leaders would not lift a finger that's over and above the work standards unless their job security is threatened.

So, what's the reason for this? On top of my mind is Douglas McGregor's Theory X style of management. Managers who believe in this have a pessimistic view that an average worker is lazy and naturally unmotivated. And therefore, they must be closely supervised to ensure they do their assigned tasks.