The Difference Between Macro-Recognition (Formal) and Micro-Recognition (Informal)

What is macro-recognition?

Macro-recognition refers to formal recognition programs typically centered around financial or material incentives (point systems used to purchase prizes).

These workplace incentive programs typically have robust rule sets, are top-down or require administrative approval, and revolve around specific behaviors, incentives, and criteria for earning them. Although financial and material incentives can have a significant impact on organizations, they are also prone to abuse as people become motivated by self-gain rather than achievement or organizational progress. Macro-recognition programs (or formal recognition programs) can also become too complicated or process heavy, reducing employee involvement and overall impact. 

What is micro-recognition?

Micro-recognition refers to informal employee recognition, people-centric systems or programs by which people recognize one another for their contributions (large and small) and with a high degree of frequency.

The incentives for micro-recognition are typically based on “social status” or “social influence” instead of financial or material incentives.  This type of non-monetary, social recognition is shown to have a significant impact on feelings of progress and achievement, the most highly correlated factors in human performance. 

Additional Articles and Research for Macro-Recognition

• The Future of Employee Recognition, white paper by Chris Dornfeld, Bonfyre
• Increasing Employee Engagement in Manufacturing, by Neil Pickering, Global Manufacturing
• Which Is More Important: Macro- or Micro-Recognition Programs? by Chris Dornfeld, Bonfyreapp.com

Additional Articles and Research for Micro-Recognition

• The Future of Employee Recognition, white paper by Chris Dornfeld, Bonfyre
• The Power of Small Wins, by Teresa Amabile and Steven J. Kramer, Harvard Business Review
• One More Time: How Do you Motivate Employees? by Frederick Herzberg, Harvard Business Review
• 5 Things Smart Entrepreneurs Do to Engage Their Workforce by Chris Dornfeld, Entrepreneur.com

• Shape Your Company Core Values With Micro-Recognition by Rob Seay, HRO Today