Tangible and Intangible Rewards Paper.

Subject  > Social Science Essays  > Psychology

Abstract Rewards and incentives are related but quite different things. An incentive is something that tends to stimulate or spur individual or group action. A reward is something tangible or intangible that is given to an individual or group for a service. Rewards are given for one of two reasons: (1) outstanding performance of assigned duties and tasks, or (2) unique contributions to the organization either job-related or non-job-related (Tracey, 1999). Tangible and Intangible Rewards Tangible rewards (money, treats, certificates, extra privileges, etc.) are external ways of motivating group work. They can be used selectively to build a sense of internal motivation within the group. This is accomplished through another behavior modification principal paired association (Tracey, 1999). Tangible rewards make group members "feel good", ...

... to prestigious work groups and special individual assignments as well as such forms of recognition as public announcement of achievements and honorary titles such as "Employee of the Month" (Tracey, 1999). Conclusion Rewards and incentives work because people need them. Psychologically, people desire recognition, need to feel a part of a team, and want to do a good job. But people, after all, are only human. Long-term personal goals often fall prey to daily or weekly frustrations. Also, people may find it hard to meld personal goals with their organization's long-term or even short-term goals. Some people may have trouble sculpting individual performance goals at all. In all cases, excitement, interest and performance can suffer (Powers, 2000). Rewards

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