Title: Knowledge, hierarchy and incentives: why human resource policy and trust matter

Authors: Nathalie Lazaric, Alain Raybaut

Addresses: GREDEG-DEMOS, CNRS/University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, 250 rue A. Einstein, 06560 Valbonne, France. ' GREDEG-DEMOS, CNRS/University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, 250 rue A. Einstein, 06560 Valbonne, France

Abstract: This paper analyses the motivational dimension in the firm within different organisational set-ups characterised by their levels of hierarchical pressure and two types of bonus rules, a Gaussian and a non Gaussian distribution perceived as more risky by the employees. The model shows the importance of the rules for vertical trust building. In particular, trust increases with the perception of more safety concerning the bonus. However, the degree of risk of the bonus rule distribution is not always negatively correlated to the level of profit. The model also suggests that vertical trust may prevail even in a hierarchical structure.

Keywords: vertical trust; connectivity; effort convention; hierarchy; knowledge creation; incentives; motivation; bonuses; human resources policy; human resource management; HRM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2007.012357

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2007 Vol.3 No.1, pp.8 - 23

Published online: 07 Feb 2007 *

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