Some organizations link performance directly to compensation, a common practice exemplified by salespeople who earn commissions for each sale.

Examples of Competency-Based Pay 

Here are several other approaches to competency-based pay:

  • Bonuses for achieving specific targets
  • Pay raises tied to performance appraisals, business results, or demonstrated competencies
  • Merit increases based on a bell curve reflecting overall company performance
  • Additional rewards linked to performance, such as incentives for fundraising efforts (e.g., earn a hat for raising R50, a t-shirt for R100, etc.)

Important Consideration

 When connecting pay to competencies, it’s crucial to ensure that the intended message is clear. It’s not uncommon for individuals to make decisions that, while beneficial for their personal bonuses, may not align with the best interests of the company. Careful structuring of these incentives can help mitigate such risks.