Page 38 - LECTURETTE TOPICS eBOOK

‘Scarcity Mentality’ versus ‘Abundance Mentality’

Indian society is overly competitive. It has resulted in creation of a ‘scarcity

mentality’ in the society. This attitude or paradigm is responsible for the fail-

ure of a large number of candidates in SSB. Let us analyse as to why candi-

dates having a ‘scarcity mentality’ fail SSB? Before we analyse the reasons it

is essential to be clear as to what is ‘scarcity mentality’ and ‘abundance men-

tality’.

‘Scarcity mentality’, as opposed to ‘abundance mentality’ is the paradigm of

an individual who feels that in general there is a scarcity. For such a person

there is a scarcity of persons who will clear SSB, scarcity of food, scarcity of

opportunities in life and anything that he/she considers important. This is

the predominant psychological mindset of the individual. The paradigm is

unsuited for teamwork and organisational success. Examples of behaviour

displaying ‘scarcity mentality’:

• Since the individual is insecure about his getting screened in at SSB he

will out shout others in PPDT discussion.

• As a child he will not share his toys, but try to snatch other’s toys.

• He will try to take the maximum of the dish he likes.

• If in GD he had a point and someone else gives it before him, then he

will get demoralised and feel cheated.

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