Recognition historically has been a grassroots effort, with individual departments making decisions about when, why and how to recognize employees. When you multiply all of these "little" initiatives across the organization, the investment becomes much more substantial; yet, due to its highly dispersed nature, it remains difficult to measure. The research in this report reveals that progressive organizations look at recognition differently. Most importantly, they have a strategy for recognition that ensures alignment with business goals, organizational culture and other talent management processes. These organizations design their programs to consistently reinforce key behaviors and outcomes necessary to drive business success.