Broken Window Theory

A little while ago I suggested a book called Wikiniomics an International Bestseller by Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams about how the Internet is revolutionising the way people and businesses operate.

My latest read has been "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell which discusses how little things can make a big difference. "the magic moment when ideas, trends and social behaviours cross a threshold, tip and spread like wildfire and explains the fascinating social dynamics that cause rapid change".

One chapter examines what has become known as "broken windows" a theory born by criminologists James Q Wilson and George Kelling, which I thought I would share. One or two of you may find it interesting and could possibly relate it to bad atmosphere, breakages, fights or drunkenness that goes on in pubs you know of.

Gladwell, in this particular chapter uses crime as an example and argues that "if a window is broken and left unrepaired, people walking by will conclude that no one cares and that no one is in charge. Soon, more windows will be broken, and the sense of anarchy will spread from the building into the street on which it faces sending a signal that anything goes... " The chapter goes on with many examples and statistcs claiming to prove that if the building is cared for and things are repaired and put right immediately then eventually the "criminal behaviour" will cease.

Gladwell also radically claims that the "criminal" - far from being someone who acts for fundamental, intrinsic reasons and who lives in his own world - "is actually someone acutely sensitive to his environment, who is alert to all kinds of cues, and who is prompted to commit crimes based on his perception ot the world around him."

I'm not making any claims but simply making an observation that if a "pub or bar" environment is kept clean, the toilets are clean, ALL the lights work, the patio is swept and washed down regularly, the staff are courteous, clean and dressed appropriately in freshly pressed clothes, the carpets and flooring is clean, the walls are clean, the gardens kept cut and pruned, hanging baskets are looked after etc. etc. "what is the perception of the world around the customer?" Debate it if you will.

The Tipping Point can be bought for £5.59 from Amazon.