It refers to that something that serves as an impulse mechanism for an individual or many of them to do or want something. The use of the incentive varies according to the connotation it has, but in general, it is used to get something done better or faster.
The term is used in various disciplines. In economics, for example, it has various functions that serve different purposes. These incentives can be for individuals, companies or sectors of the economy.
In sales for example, when talking about " presales " that are "lower prices" and that show the benefit of paying less, if the user acquires that good before a certain date, because otherwise he will pay it more price, this strategy is shown as a purchase incentive for the consumer.
Likewise, in the economy, but going further into the workplace (people), employers and businessmen use incentives to generate better and more attractive salary packages for their employees, seeking their satisfaction and generating a higher quality and quantity of work. In this sense, they reward good results, often with money (bonuses) or royalties such as trips, dinners, tickets to events, among other things, that seek to encourage the worker to perform.
But, for this, the company must seek to reconcile this "pact", provide the means for its fulfillment and generate an incentive system that is consistent with its remuneration system.
On the other hand, the State can generate incentives for companies or sectors, giving, for example, a cut in the percentage of taxes that they must cancel, if they hire new employees or create new jobs, in favor of development and low the unemployment rate in the country.
In the psychological field, it is expressed that human beings act governed or motivated by incentives, which are often generated unconsciously. This means that every time an individual performs an activity, they do it to fulfill an end, which in turn will generate satisfaction, said end will be the incentive that drives him to action.
This is how incentives represent rewards, which are granted or generated from good results.