Bonus Quote by Henry Mintzberg
“My feeling about executive bonuses is that any candidate for a chief executive job who even raises the issue of bonuses should be dismissed out of hand.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning, Henry Mintzberg, 1994
Executive bonus discussions reveal misaligned incentives; those who prioritize personal gain over organizational health lack appropriate leadership qualities.
In simple terms: Bonus talk shows bad priorities.
Key Takeaway
Avoid hiring leaders who focus on personal bonuses.
Themes
leadership
ethics
incentives
governance
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
advice
cautionary
When to use this quote
- board recruitment
- executive interviews
- performance reviews
- shareholder meetings
Key Concepts
agency theory
principal‑agent problem
corporate culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How can boards assess a candidate’s values beyond bonus discussions?
- What alternative compensation structures could align incentives?
A Different Perspective
Such dismissals may overlook qualified candidates who can address compensation responsibly.
