This creates the incentive, at the lower staff level, to perform and network in order to “break-through” to the next level in the hierarchy.
Once a certain management level or status is reached the employee is very well rewarded. Some custodial structures are based around a pyramid system where only the more senior staff members truly enjoy the financial benefits of the organisation. As a consequence, employees work more independently and reduce their reliance on their other team members, or small alliances are formed outside of the formal team structure. In some cases, the extent of professional jealousy builds and the employees consider their co-workers as their competitors, perhaps eroding their own bonus potential. While this has some benefit to the organisation, it can also become quite a political and toxic working environment if it is not managed effectively. In some cases, a very competitive environment can be created where the employees strive for best performances on an individual basis only. Given the focus on financial rewards for performance and “locking” staff into the organization through attractive benefits and bonuses, this has the potential to create a self-interested environment that actually negates the concept of teamwork.
