Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2010

Publication Source

Internal Auditor

Abstract

Although the focus of risk management traditionally has been on downside risk, the time is right to focus this dialogue on upside risk — the management of value-creation opportunities through "rewards management." After all, rewards such as bonuses and stock options are typically greater for those who identify and leverage new value-creation opportunities. For-profit organizations favor those individuals who are well-connected and leverage their relationships to bring in clients and attract customers. Their selling ability, revenue-generating strategies, and overall modus operandi quickly earn them the coveted title of "rainmakers."

Nevertheless, rewards and incentives can encourage undesirable behaviors. Executives quickly learn that managing their organization's accounts is far easier than managing the organization itself; indeed, it is sometimes harder to make the numbers than to "make up" the numbers. This is a behavioral risk that can only be managed through human intervention and oversight; technology cannot ensure everyone complies with regulations or company policies, or that no one has unfairly benefitted from undisclosed conflicts of interest.

Inclusive pages

61-64

ISBN/ISSN

0020-5745

Comments

The document available for download is the published version, provided in compliance with the publisher's copyright policy. Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

Institute of Internal Auditors

Volume

67

Issue

5


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