Detrimental Effects of Performance-Related Pay in the Public Sector? On the Need for a Broader Theoretical Perspective

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    Abstract

    Performance-related pay has been a key ingredient in New Public Management reforms. Nevertheless, the research presented here indicates some adverse effects of such incentives. These incentives may impair an initial motivation to work and change the norms that guide behavior. An issue which in particular has been given insufficient attention is fairness. Findings drawn from experimental economics supported by field studies demonstrate that perceived unfairness may have important negative effects on performance. The implication of a broader perspective in the analysis of performance-related pay in the public sector is that such a pay system, contrary to its aim, may have detrimental effects on performance.
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftPublic Organization Review
    Vol/bind13
    Udgave nummer1
    Sider (fra-til)21-35
    Antal sider15
    ISSN1566-7170
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 2013

    Emneord

    • Performance pay
    • Public management
    • Motivation
    • Performance
    • Experimental economics
    • Fairness

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