# Asymmetric Concepts By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-04 Much has been written regarding “quiet quitting.” In response to quiet quitting, some managers have responded with a threat to “quiet fire” employees. Whereas the quiet quitting movement makes sense, at least in certain situations, the concept of quiet firing is a non-starter. This [[Comparison]] points to the importance of [[understanding]] asymmetric concepts. While initially there seems to be a similarity between quiet quitting and quiet firing, these concepts are structurally dissimilar. First, the quiet quitting movement was authentic and organic. The quiet firing movement is derivative. Like an insult that landed squarely on its target, it seems that management understood the [[critique]] levied against it through quiet quitting. But like a schoolkid who responds to a hard burn with “I’m rubber and you're glue,” the quiet firing movement is simply a less direct “no I’m not, you are,” and therefore reflects the strength of the quiet quitting movement. Attempting to have a corresponding movement does little constructive. Second, and perhaps more problematically, if management decided to quiet fire employees, would any employee notice, and if they did, would they care? Quiet quitting is effective because managers and organizations depend on employees doing more than they are required. Workers seldom expect management to do anything productive, let alone anything “extra.” So, if they withhold whatever extra they think they are doing it is doubtful that it will make much of a difference to those working. Lastly, it is never a good sign when those in power must resort to the same [[tools]] that those without power are constrained to use. Protest, subversion, and resistance are the tools of those lacking the power to effect change more directly. By adopting the quiet firing approach, management is revealing their lack of power. Quiet quitting is an attempt at a better [[life]]. Quiet firing appears more like a petty response by a person whose feelings were hurt and who feels compelled to respond in kind. Asymmetric concepts are challenging to assess. Superficial similarities obfuscate structural differences. Quiet firing has none of the authentic power of resistance residents in quiet quitting. While quiet quitting is serious, quiet firing is a farce. These asymmetries suggest something of the limits of managerial power. #### Related Items [[Quiet Quitting]] [[Quiet Firing]] [[Asymmetry]] [[Management]] [[Authenticity]] [[Power]] [[Subversive]]