What is the difference between exploitation and exploration

Although the exploration of the foreign land was exciting, the men had their fears. Would you like to explore that part of the forest? I wanted to explore the entire field but was unable to do so.

Now let us focus on the word exploitation. Exploitation refers to using or treating unfairly. This word is used widely in industrial settings to refer to employees who are being exploited by the employer. This entails making the employee work in harsh conditions and not compensating accordingly for the work that he did. In the modern world, there are a number of rules and regulations that protect the rights of the worker and prevent him from being exploited. It is believed that in third world countries exploitation of labor is much greater than in the developed world.

The labour unions spoke of the exploitation of the poor workers. Exploitation of labour was part of the Capitalist system. It can also be used to refer to making the full use of a resource. We need to exploit the land for a better harvest.

They decided to exploit the minerals for their product. Exploration: Exploration can refer to traveling through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. Exploitation: Exploitation refers to using or treating unfairly, or else making the full use of a resource. Exploration is risky. You need to invest resources—time and money—to investigate, and no one can ensure that the result of this research will be worthwhile.

There are no guarantees. But exploitation is risky as well. It makes you feel safe doing things the same way you always did. It feeds the narrow focus of your comfort zone. A strategy with too much exploration implies not being able to adequately develop the ideas you have experimented, and not enjoying the benefits you were seeking. A strategy of over-exploitation prevents you from adapting to changes. Those who know when to switch from one mode of operation to another achieve success both in business and in personal life.

But tilting between the two strategies is not easy. Exploitation is quite comfortable and is easy to stay there. Exploration requires a bigger effort and intention. Exploring implies fighting against established habits. It is not not about choosing between exploration or exploitation, flexibility or efficiency.

He is also a Software Engineer who is passionate about personal productivity and the GTD philosophy as a means to a better life. No credit card required for the free trial.