Home Features Tale of Reward System in Business, Distinct From That of Politics and Formal Sector

Tale of Reward System in Business, Distinct From That of Politics and Formal Sector

by Nwabuko

By Chris Udochukwu

Loyalty and obedience have long been celebrated as virtues in various spheres of human endeavor. In the business world, these qualities often serve as the cornerstone of lasting relationships and reward systems. In return for unwavering allegiance, employees, partners, and stakeholders are frequently compensated with job security, promotions, and profitable business ventures. However, the same virtues, when applied in the formal sector and politics, do not always yield the same results. In fact, loyalty and obedience in these spheres can sometimes feel like an invitation to exploitation, with little to no tangible benefits.

In the corporate world, loyalty is typically seen as a vital asset. It is a currency of trust that organizations often reward handsomely. A loyal employee, for instance, is seen as someone who will weather tough times, support the company’s vision, and contribute to its long-term success. Businesses know that loyal employees are less likely to jump ship when new opportunities arise, which is a great asset in an increasingly transient job market. It’s a mutual relationship of give and take—employees who show commitment to their organization are often rewarded with raises, promotions, and a clearer career trajectory.

Similarly, loyalty in business partnerships and client relationships fosters stability. Partners who adhere to agreements, respect terms, and remain faithful to shared goals often see the fruits of their hard work in the form of long-term contracts, exclusivity deals, and increased earnings. Obedience, too, in this context is appreciated, particularly in industries where hierarchy and respect for authority are essential to operational success. A committed, obedient employee or partner can be an invaluable asset.

However, the narrative is far from the same when loyalty and obedience are involved in the formal sector or politics. The formal sector, particularly within government agencies and large public institutions, is a complex ecosystem where red tape, power dynamics, and shifting priorities often make loyalty seem like a short-term investment at best, and a potentially hazardous one at worst.

Take, for example, the typical bureaucratic environment where employees are expected to show obedience and respect to superiors. While loyalty to the system may seem like a way to climb the ranks, the political undercurrent that governs many of these institutions often rewards political allegiance rather than merit. In many instances, career progression is not so much determined by how obedient or loyal one is to their work but by navigating the intricacies of office politics, making deals behind closed doors, and currying favor with influential figures. Those who remain overly loyal to a given set of principles, instead of aligning with shifting political powers, may find themselves overlooked or marginalized.

In politics, loyalty takes on a different, often more cynical form. Party loyalty, for instance, is expected to be unwavering, yet it doesn’t guarantee the same reciprocal commitment from those in power. Politicians can be quick to discard loyal aides or supporters once they have outlived their usefulness. While political loyalty might win someone a cabinet position or a cushy appointment, it just as easily can lead to betrayal if the political winds change direction. History is littered with stories of loyal followers left in the lurch after serving their purpose, only to see new, more strategically aligned individuals rise to power. In such a context, obedience to the party line is expected, but it rarely results in anything other than temporary gains and often leads to burnout or disillusionment.

Even more glaring is the phenomenon of patronage politics, where loyalty is exchanged for jobs or favors that are often short-lived. Once a political patron shifts allegiance or faces a shift in fortunes, the loyalists are left with little more than their discontent.

In both the formal sector and politics, where the stakes are often higher and the game is played on a much larger, sometimes more cutthroat, stage, loyalty and obedience can sometimes be a double-edged sword. In these environments, a strong adherence to principles and fealty to leaders does not always guarantee success, and often, those who dare to question or challenge the system, or those who refuse to play along with the political machinations, are the ones who rise to prominence.

The key difference between the business world and the formal sector or politics lies in the intent and context behind loyalty and obedience. In business, loyalty is often seen as a strategic and sustainable investment; in politics and formal sectors, loyalty can sometimes be a tool for manipulation, and obedience may be seen as a sign of weakness or compliance with an unjust system.

The lesson here is that while loyalty and obedience can be invaluable traits in certain environments, they must be tempered with a clear understanding of the structures at play and the potential consequences. In the business world, where success often hinges on mutual benefit, loyalty tends to be a two-way street. However, in the formal sector and politics, where power dynamics can be unpredictable and fleeting, the rewards of loyalty are far from guaranteed and sometimes come at a steep price.

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