Leadership and Reward Programs: boundaries and possibilities

Abstract

There are many theories about leadership that converge on the importance of motivation as an attribution to the leader. There are two models of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Although both of them deal with rewards, their execution is not the same. The aim of this study is to analyze the limits and possibilities of the reward programs used by the leadership team within organizations. According to some non-behaviorist’s authors, the extrinsic rewards are translated as manipulating ways or bribes, in order to favor those who hold the power. To some behaviorists, the organization of extrinsic and intrinsic reward systems is the method of choice to motivate, which should be used by the leader. Our thoughts point to the possibilities of a balanced and planned use of the extrinsic and intrinsic rewards, taking into consideration the context, goals and the duration of the group. We used as methodology the study of very prolific authors within the business administration courses, focusing on placing our contribution for the critical reading of this public.