[corty]

It is pretty commmon in departments such as sales, trading or marketing as incentive to e.g. invite $singer upon hitting the years sales target. Or organize a short holiday, visit to a sports event, fancy dinner, something. Seems to spill over to engineering or the whole company in some places.

[xtracto]

As a previous engineer manager this sucks . While sales people get all kinds of bonuses for doing their job. The Engineering team gets a pat in the back because nothing broke down.

[ccmonnett]

On the other hand, sales people are quickly dismissed if they don't meet their goals; it's a double-edged sword.

[SyzygistSix]

I'd have to say that I would prefer the pat on the back to what most bosses consider good entertainment.