The reason positive feedback loops don't exist is because it's very hard to properly measure impact and managers aren't trusted more than anyone else to do it.

The reason positive feedback loops don't exist is because it's very hard to properly measure impact and managers aren't trusted more than anyone else to do it. They act like they're trusted but the reason they can't set compensation at will is because they're not actually trusted. For example, Managers get to pick salaries for their reports. Every manager now says every one of their reports is a top performer and especially those who kiss their backsides. Okay, shit, rewind. Company creates a massive set of detailed metrics with which they can measure every employee and team. Metrics are incomplete, get gamed, morale decreases. Okay, shit, rewind. Etc. Etc.