Bonusmodellen

Bonusmodellen is a term used to describe remuneration schemes that tie part of compensation to predefined performance targets. The concept is applied in various contexts, including the private sector for employees and executives, and in public or semi-public settings such as procurement or contract management, where bonuses are paid for meeting quality, delivery, or efficiency objectives.

Design features commonly include targets that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART); a clear payout mechanism and, often, a cap on total bonuses; adjustments for risk or changing circumstances; and governance controls such as independent review and transparency. Payouts may be phased over time or linked to multiple milestones.

Rationale and potential benefits include improved performance, alignment of incentives with organizational goals, enhanced talent attraction and retention, and greater accountability for results. In procurement or service contracts, bonuses can incentivize on-time delivery, cost control, and quality improvement.

Criticisms focus on risks of short-termism or gaming, potential distortions in risk-taking, increased complexity, and fairness concerns if targets are poorly chosen or data is unreliable. There is also the danger that bonuses overshadow base pay or create dependency on variable income.

Implementation considerations include balancing fixed and variable compensation, ensuring robust and auditable metrics, establishing clawback or malus provisions, and regularly reviewing the model to prevent unintended consequences and ensure alignment with long-term strategy.

See also incentive pay, performance-based pay, executive compensation, procurement bonuses.