STRATEGYMonths to result

Incentive Scheme Design

Motivate high-quality effort

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Organizations with multiple tiers or complex incentive structures

Not ideal for

Simple, straightforward incentive schemes

Overview

Why this framework exists

Incentive schemes can be designed to motivate high-quality effort in organizations. However, the design of such schemes is complex and requires careful consideration of the interests of multiple stakeholders. The scheme should be based on observable outcomes, such as success or failure, and should provide a bonus for success that is large enough to motivate high-quality effort.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Incentives should be based on observable outcomes.
  2. The bonus for success should be large enough to motivate high-quality effort.
  3. The scheme should take into account the interests of multiple stakeholders.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Define the objective
    Clearly define the objective of the incentive scheme, such as motivating high-quality effort.
    Pro tipMake sure the objective is measurable and achievable.
    WarningAvoid vague or unrealistic objectives.
  2. Identify the stakeholders
    Identify the stakeholders who will be affected by the incentive scheme, such as employees, managers, and owners.
    Pro tipConsider the interests and motivations of each stakeholder group.
    WarningIgnore the interests of key stakeholders at your own peril.
  3. Design the scheme
    Design the incentive scheme based on the objective and the interests of the stakeholders.
    Pro tipUse game theory and economic principles to design the scheme.
    WarningAvoid simplistic or unrealistic designs.
  4. Test and refine
    Test the incentive scheme and refine it based on feedback and results.
    Pro tipMonitor the scheme's effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
    WarningFailure to refine the scheme can lead to unintended consequences.

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Wizard 1.0

A company wants to motivate a programmer to develop a high-quality computer chess game. The company offers a bonus for success that is large enough to motivate high-quality effort.

OutcomeThe programmer is motivated to supply high-quality effort, and the company achieves its objective.
Royalty arrangement

An author is paid a royalty for each book sold. The royalty arrangement motivates the author to write a high-quality book.

OutcomeThe author is motivated to write a high-quality book, and the publisher achieves its objective of selling a large number of books.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Ignoring stakeholder interests
Ignoring the interests of key stakeholders can lead to a scheme that is ineffective or even counterproductive.
Using simplistic designs
Using simplistic or unrealistic designs can lead to unintended consequences, such as gaming the system.
Failing to refine the scheme
Failing to refine the scheme based on feedback and results can lead to a scheme that is ineffective or even counterproductive.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of incentive scheme design has its roots in game theory and economics. It has been applied in various fields, including business, politics, and social sciences.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life
Dixit, Avinash K. · 2008
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