Compliments vs. Money — What rewards people?

ABC News had an interesting story on a study showing how compliments — positive feedback — were valued at least as much as money (video here).  The idea that money isn’t a great performance driver has been long-held, but the evidence here is compelling on its face.

What was interesting about the study was that these seemingly different reward types both stimulated the reward center of the brain.  In other words, there is a biological basis for experience that a good reputation — as manifested through compliments — is rewarding.  Oh, and the Reuters story is here.