Many Americans have an oddly collectivist sentiment with regard to employment. They see being an employee as we might see being part of a family or club -- "We

Many Americans have an oddly collectivist sentiment with regard to employment. They see being an employee as we might see being part of a family or club -- "We're all in this together." When times are good, we'll all share in the blessings. And, when times are bad, we'll all tighten our belts and roll up our sleeves. Variable compensation plans can rationally incent these behaviors, but even those paid a straight-up salary often feel this way. I, however, see employment much more contractually. If I'm a life insurance salesperson for AIG and I meet my quota for the year, I expect the bonus that was promised to me. And, even if there's no explicit promise of a bonus, I'll consider selling someone else's insurance if I don't think I'll end up earning as much with AIG. So, paying out a bonus to me would be a good business decision, even if the company itself is doing badly. After all, I'm still exceeding expectations. Is it those who take the "family" view of employment who are most opposed to bonuses being paid by troubled companies?