skatinimas

Skatinimas (Lithuanian for "incentive") refers to the act of encouraging a behavior, activity, or outcome by offering rewards or favorable conditions. In economics, management, and public policy, skatinimai are mechanisms designed to influence the decisions of individuals, firms, or organizations. They can be monetary, such as payments or tax relief, or non-monetary, such as recognition or access to services. The aim is to align private incentives with desired social or organizational objectives.

Types include material incentives (financial rewards, subsidies, tax credits, bonuses) and non-material incentives (recognition, career advancement, preferential treatment). Skatinimai can be targeted to individuals, groups, or markets and may be short-term or long-term. They can be positive (rewards) or negative (penalties or disincentives), though the latter are less commonly described as skatinimai in everyday usage.

Applications are widespread. In business, skatinimai motivate employees, increase sales, or promote new products. In public policy, governments use tax incentives, subsidies, or grants to stimulate research, innovation, energy efficiency, or employment. In health and education, incentive programs seek to improve adherence, attendance, or outcomes.

Design and evaluation emphasize magnitude, timing, targeting, and enforcement to avoid distortion or gaming. Potential drawbacks include moral hazard, crowding out of intrinsic motivation, inequity, and unintended consequences. Careful evaluation, such as cost-benefit analysis or randomized trials, helps determine effectiveness and optimal design.

Related concepts include incentives, reinforcement, principal–agent problems, and behavioral economics.