Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
carrot-and-stick
idiom
/ˌkæroʊt ənd stɪk/
Definition
A method of persuasion that uses a reward for compliance and a punishment for non-compliance.
Examples
- To encourage students to study harder, the school adopted a carrot-and-stick approach, offering rewards for good grades and consequences for poor performance.
- The manager used a carrot-and-stick method to motivate the team, promising bonuses for successful projects while also outlining penalties for missed deadlines.
Meaning
The phrase ‘carrot-and-stick’ refers to a dual approach of motivating someone by offering rewards and threats of punishment to influence behavior or decisions.
Synonyms
- incentive system
- reward and punishment
- carrot-and-whip
