HBR Case Study: Bonuses in Bad Times

Luisa Fernandez pulled into a parking spot behind one of Superado's stores. This was usually the best part of her week - visiting one of her company's supermarkets. Today, though, she felt uneasy. Jorge Ramos, the manager of the store she was about to tour, had asked her to briefly address the staff, and she knew it would not be the usual cheerful exchange or ideas. Spain was on the verge of a recession, and everyone was worried about money. Someone was bound to ask whether Sueprado would pay bonuses this year. And she didn't yet have an answer. Commentary is presented on Fernandez' solution.