All things being equal,goal-sharing programs are thought to be less motivational than gain-sharing programs.

Gain-sharing programs typically provide employees with a direct financial incentive based on achieving specific performance goals, which is often more motivating than simply sharing in the achievement of goals. However, there are other factors that can influence the effectiveness of these programs, such as the clarity of goals and the level of employee involvement in the decision-making process. So while gain-sharing programs may be more motivational on average, there may be situations where goal-sharing programs are more effective.