# 17. Symbolic Reward ## 17.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 17.5.2. Promissory Reward This is the use of a promise or implication of future rewards ahead. It substitutes any real rewards now. Politicians and managers often use promissory rewards because they are short of tangible rewards but in need of favours now. Cases abound in the world of management where promissory rewards are termed "positive reinforcement". This term really refers to publicly slapping an employee on the back for work well done. The teaching of "positive reinforcement" is much favoured in contemporary man-management training. In fact it is just a form of symbolic / promissory reward. A real financial reward is being replaced by this symbolic gesture. Such rewards are held in low esteem by many employees who are aware of their hollowness, but they can work in some circumstances with young or naïve victims.