It was better at my employer in the mid-2000's. Systems process projects (6-sigma stuff) paid out to stakeholders in the project proportional to the measured cost savings in results. The payouts were similarly cancelled not because of large payouts, but more so for chasing cost-savings instead of product improbements.
It's interesting that for execs big bonuses for good work are considered motivational and necessary whereas for the little guy good work doesn't need to be rewarded because it would add cost.
