# 17. Symbolic Reward ## 17.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 17.5.1. Actual Reward An actual reward is a physical reward given to a victim in return for certain behaviour or services rendered. Of course the actual reward has only a fraction of the value of the service rendered, but it carries prestige and promise of future advancement. For instance, in industry there are the so called "Suggestion plans". These are widely used in American and Japanese companies. Employees are given a one-off reward for making a suggestion which improves profitability. The reward is just a token amount. The real value is in its symbolic and prestige impact, i.e. the recognition of a worker's commitment to his employer's increased profits. It replaces a real share in the company's profits. Companies may receive a short-term grant or allowance from the government to employ someone who has been unemployed long-term. The amount granted to the company is tiny in comparison to the cost of maintaining the unemployed person with social security benefits over years of unemployment, but it is a sort of symbolic "thank you" to the company for cooperating with the state.