There isn't a single, universally recognized "Broom Theory." The term appears in various contexts, each with a different meaning. Let's explore the different interpretations:
1. Robert Broom's Evolutionary Theory
Paleontologist Robert Broom believed that spiritual forces drove evolution, culminating in the creation of superhuman individuals and immortal souls. [Source: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00359190309519933] This is a less known and highly debated aspect of his work, focusing on a teleological (purpose-driven) view of evolution.
2. The "Broom Theory" of Motivation (Informal)
This is an informal, possibly humorous, reference to a motivational concept. Several online sources mention a "Broom Theory," which seems to allude to the idea that if you place a broom upright, gravity will pull it to the ground. It suggests that sometimes, just initiating action (like pushing the broom upright) will lead to further success. [Source: https://www.tiktok.com/@djkhaledgolfs/video/7236620290724433198]. This is not a formally defined theory.
3. Vroom's Expectancy Theory (Often Confused with a "Broom Theory")
There's a potential for confusion. Some online sources mention Vroom's expectancy theory of motivation alongside mentions of a "Broom Theory." [Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/motivation-can-simple-kevins-broom-theory-kevin-hard] It's important to distinguish that Victor Vroom's expectancy theory is a well-established model in organizational behavior, and is not related to any formal "Broom Theory."
4. Other Uses of "Broom" in Theoretical Contexts
The word "broom" appears in some unrelated theoretical discussions. For instance, there are mentions of "broom" in contexts like literary analysis [Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/davidfosterwallace/comments/phtngx/broom_of_the_system_theories/] and marketing [Source: https://artieisaac.com/blog/2009/03/broomstick-marketing/], but these are not formal theories bearing the name "Broom Theory."
In summary, the term "Broom Theory" lacks a single, definitive meaning. Its usage varies across contexts, and often refers either to Robert Broom's spiritual evolutionary perspective or informal, metaphorical applications.
