Incentive Meaning

UK /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/
US /ɪnˈsɛntɪv/
Word Definition
incentive meaning

Incentive Definition & Usage

noun

A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

Examples

  • "The company offers financial incentives to boost employee productivity."
  • "His incentive to finish the project quickly was the promise of a promotion."
  • "Government subsidies serve as incentives for renewable energy investments."
  • "The school provided incentives like prizes for students who excelled in their studies."
  • "Her incentive for volunteering was the opportunity to gain work experience."
noun

A reward or stimulus intended to influence a person's behavior.

Examples

  • "Incentives in behavioral therapy can help reinforce positive actions."
  • "Offering a small incentive like a treat can encourage children to complete their chores."
  • "The study explored how different types of incentives affected student participation in class."
  • "Some psychologists argue that intrinsic motivation is more powerful than external incentives."
  • "Cash incentives were used in the experiment to see if they would increase participant engagement."

Cultural Context

The concept of incentives has deep roots in economics and psychology, where rewards are seen as powerful motivators for behavior. The idea of using incentives for various purposes (e.g., business, education, healthcare) is widespread, with the goal of influencing actions or achieving desired outcomes.

The Incentive That Sparked Change

Story

The Incentive That Sparked Change

In a bustling city, Clara worked tirelessly at her office job, but her motivation had begun to wane. Although she was good at what she did, the lack of recognition and rewards made her feel stuck. One day, her manager, Mr. Thompson, walked in with a new proposal. 'Clara,' he began, 'we’ve decided to introduce a new incentive system in the office. If you achieve your targets, there will be bonuses and extra days off.' Clara’s eyes lit up. The thought of earning more and having the chance to relax made her feel energized again. The incentive worked like a charm. Clara set new goals for herself, working diligently to meet them. She found that the promise of a bonus was a powerful motivator, and with each milestone, her enthusiasm grew. She wasn’t just working harder for the reward—she found herself genuinely enjoying the challenges. As the weeks passed, Clara’s improved performance didn’t go unnoticed. Her team members, seeing her success, also began to focus on their own targets. The ripple effect of the incentive spread throughout the office. Clara’s experience with the incentive system demonstrated how a well-designed reward could change attitudes and behavior. But the success wasn’t limited to just Clara. The incentive program inspired a company-wide shift in how employees approached their tasks. People were motivated not just by the money but by the recognition and additional perks. Clara herself realized that the real incentive wasn’t always the tangible rewards but the sense of accomplishment that came with achieving her goals. In the end, Clara wasn’t just motivated by the financial rewards but also by the opportunity to grow professionally. The incentive system had sparked a change in the office dynamic, pushing everyone to perform better and feel valued for their contributions. And for Clara, it was more than just a bonus—it was the spark she needed to reignite her passion for her work.

The Incentive That Sparked Change