Cui Bonus?

This poll is prompted by the recent fuss about Stephen Hester's bonus, but it's something I've often wondered about. Just how widespread is the practice of giving performance-related bonuses? We tend to hear about it in connection with bankers, and others who are already paid ridiculous amounts, but is it much more widespread? I can see the argument for incentives, but would find it strange if only rich people needed them, and only in the form of yet more money. While the rest of us are expected to do our jobs properly from a sense of professional pride, are only the rich venal and lazy enough to need a couple of extra million to get out of bed? Surely not!

ETA: I of course should have included "Self-employed" in the job options, as I know that applies to many here, but I guess that falls into the "Not that simple..." box.

[Poll #1815171]

Cui Bonus?

This poll is prompted by the recent fuss about Stephen Hester's bonus, but it's something I've often wondered about. Just how widespread is the practice of giving performance-related bonuses? We tend to hear about it in connection with bankers, and others who are already paid ridiculous amounts, but is it much more widespread? I can see the argument for incentives, but would find it strange if only rich people needed them, and only in the form of yet more money. While the rest of us are expected to do our jobs properly from a sense of professional pride, are only the rich venal and lazy enough to need a couple of extra million to get out of bed? Surely not!

ETA: I of course should have included "Self-employed" in the job options, as I know that applies to many here, but I guess that falls into the "Not that simple..." box.

[Poll #1815171]