Fact of the week: Invisible hand

One of the common beliefs one encounters working with well-to-do people is the belief in the invisible hand.

If you give people the correct commercial motivation, you will be able to get the right behaviour. Well, yes and no. In some cases, I cannot deny the power of financial incentives. The importance of employment figures proved the strength of the invisible hand.

But all the time? What about 5 million dollars for corruption free government? That is a 5 million dollar retirement package on top of one's salary. Ok, the prize is given in of the world's poorest continent. And there are some (reasonable) strings attached.

It has gone without any recipient out of 7 of its 12 years in existence.