Recognition v. Reward v. Motivation

From my last posting, I have heard some feedback regarding the sometimes gray line between recognition and rewards. These two words are almost always included in the same breath when talking about one or the other with a Human Resources professional. It is my belief that they are two different things.

What is the difference between recognition and reward?

A reward is something that someone works toward with that something being the principle object of their work. It is also in possession of someone else and it is their honor, as one having something the other does not, to bestow it.

Recognition on the other hand is something that we don't necessarily work for, but that without we lose the desire to work. It is also something that in a way we are all in possession of – not just the manager, although a manager is one of the most important people to give it. Recognition recognizes the equality of humanity whereas rewards have the aura of elevation.

Additionally, rewards are instituted for the purpose of enticing one to act – to create within a person motivation. Recognition is ever existent, although at times dormant, within mankind. The use of this wonderful tool is that it awakens the already existent motivation for higher, more noble purposes than simply the reward. It guides a person in their quest for excellence. Rewards guide a person in their quest for rewards.