Have I Got an Incentive "Scheme" for You!

Words matter, don't they?

Several times recently, I've run into the phrase incentive scheme.  My response to the word "scheme" is a negative one, and I wondered at the decision to use that particular language rather than the more common choices of "plan", "system" or "program".

In an effort to determine whether I was overreacting, I turned to Merriam-Webster for an objective definition.  The most applicable choice there reads:  "a plan or program of action; especially : a crafty or secret one."

Even more interesting is what Merriam-Webster offers up for synonyms for the word scheme.  They include: artifice, dodge, flimflam, gimmick, jib, ploy, trick and shenanigan.  (What ... no bribe?)

I know that there are those who will argue that this, in fact, is what all incentive arrangements amount to.  Go ahead - I've obviously given you an opening.  And you probably know that I disagree. 

But I have to wonder at the choice of that somewhat tainted word in otherwise seemingly well-meaning communication about a variable pay opportunity - especially encountering it now in several different situations.  Is it specific to a particular industry, culture or country?  Any particular historical context?

Thoughts?

Comments

[Mark]

It's hard to recall the use of "Scheme" without it meaning something tricky or meant to deceive. I'll bet the choice was intended to convey "Crafty" in the "no one else has thought of something so clever" sense, but it backfired. Sometimes it's better not to be self-congratulatory when naming your ideas, eh?

Now, "Shenanigan" is a word I'd like to see used more often when naming Plans, Programs, and Policies!

[Ann Bares]

Mark:

I like it. Base salary shenanigans. Sales commission shenanigans. Special recognition shenanigans. Yes.

[Dave Johnston]

The word "scheme" is synonymous with "plan" in England. While (er, Whilst) working there, I communicated many pension schemes, incentive schemes, SAYE (Save As Your Earn) schemes, and even car schemes.

Yes, the word has completely different connotations here in the U.S. But calling a plan a scheme is fine on the side of the pond where the language was invented!

[Chris Greenhalgh]

I agree with Dave. The word scheme doesn't carry those negative connotations on this side of the pond. In fact I'd be far more likely to use it than plan, system or program - or even programme!!! ;-)

However I do like the idea of base salary shenanigans but would suggest special recognition gimmick might be the more appropriate title for that scheme.

[Wally Bock]

Ah, once again it seems we have "two countries separated by a common language." For me, on the US side of the pond, "scheme" has the faint whiff of sleaze about it. A "compensation plan" is fine, but a "compensation scheme" strikes my American ear as "tricky" or "manipulative" or "slick."

[Ann Bares]

Dave and Chris:

Thanks for confirming what I suspected (but didn't have your experience to know for sure) about the use of the word in other places. A few colleagues also sent me private notes to this effect.

Wally:

It is instructive, isn't it, how differently a word in an otherwise common language can be interpreted in the different countries which use it? A good reminder.

But I'm also enjoying the new glossary that we are using the occasion to build...

Base salary shenanigans

Special recognition gimmicks

Perhaps... sales commission ploys?

What else?

[Derek Irvine, Globoforce]

Glad to see others chime in on the UK/US difference. My research assistant (an American) asked me (I'm Irish) about this once. She also viewed "scheme" as highly negative - or, at best, at least really honest. That struck me as quite hilarious.

[Ann Bares]

Derek:

Really honest - I guess that's another way to look at it! Funny!

[Ergonomic Chair]

In my opinion, incentive schemes are referred that way because of the fact that incentives are given in exchange of an act that will benefit the company, and though it will appear like it is meant to boost the morale of employees, the big bosses are also the ones in the winning end.

[Ann Bares]

EC:

So you're saying that plans are considered "schemes" if the bosses as well as the employees come out on the winning end?