Will Stretch and Stretch-Stretch Continue

Implications: Throughout the boom period of BP's performance staffers have been incentivised by a target driven culture that has seen to be counter-productive to the overall group performance and image.

Analysis: BP staffers were incentivised to reach and exceed stretched targets and were rewarded accordingly. Current problems in US, Europe in both technical and commercial issues appear to eminate from this target driven culture and incentives to reach the stretch and stretch-stretch targets. This has led to the current low standing of BP globally and contributed to the demise of the former CEO. It remains to be seen if new CEO will be able modify the culture whilst also increasing performance of the group. Target driven cultures need an over-arching test to ensure the achievement of personal and area targets do not have an adverse effect on overall group performance.