Types of Awards

Awards serve to honour and motivate performance that goes ‘beyond the call of duty’ and thus indicates extra-role behaviours. Recipients may be persons, organizations, or even cities. Awards establish a special relationship between the recipient and the donor. Confirmatory awards are given based on clearly defined and observable achievements. They are similar to bonus pay. In contrast, discretionary award givers enjoy leeway in deciding whom to honour. This type of award acknowledges laudable behaviour ex post and is not a reward individuals normally expect to receive. Discretionary awards allow the givers to respond to the unexpected. Awards are highly appreciated by most recipients and, under most circumstances, are therefore in high demand. They signal appreciation and recognition, and may provide social status and entail material advantages. Awards may also raise the prospect of a more successful career and higher future income. There is an almost limitless demand for honours.