The problem with using incentives to improve budgeting and waste in government and the corporate world is that whatever happens, they are already rewarded either way. Think of the golden parachutes for execs and senior managers. All the ousted CEOs and top exec VPs get many times their salary if forced out. In government and city employment, you read so many articles of huge benefit packages already, they are getting rewards no matter what happens so there is no incentive to do anything at this point.

When I was in the corporate world, we also had the use it or lose it mentality (in terms of head count, budget dollars) and it’s unfortunate that companies and government can’t run like a household to actually save money.

Maybe it’s the length and term of employment nowadays. Lack of funds in the future or if the company/government collapses, at least you got yours and the future is not your problem anymore.