Understand the compensation cycle

A general orientation to merit and promotion decisions—not a statement of Northstar policy.

This fictional example does not establish cycle dates, eligibility, amounts, decision criteria, approval authority, or local applicability. Follow your organization's approved compensation process and current instructions in Compensation Management.

Merit and promotion considerations are not interchangeable. Their meaning, criteria, and approval steps depend on the organization's confirmed process; do not promise an outcome based on this overview.

A generic cycle sequence

Illustrative stages only. Confirm the actual sequence, dates, and handoffs before relying on them.

  1. 1

    Check the configured cycle

    Review current instructions, applicable population, timing, and required inputs in Compensation Management or the authoritative source designated by your organization.

  2. 2

    Prepare supported inputs

    Gather only the information requested through the approved process. Check that it is accurate and relevant; do not infer eligibility or decision rules.

  3. 3

    Use the approved review and approval path

    Submit or discuss inputs through the configured process. Follow the actual approval steps and authority for your role and location.

  4. 4

    Communicate confirmed outcomes

    Share outcomes only when the authorized process permits it and the information is confirmed. Use the organization's communication guidance.

  5. 5

    Complete the cycle

    Finish any assigned actions in Compensation Management and follow the current instructions for unresolved items or corrections.

Merit and promotion are different considerations

These descriptions are general; the organization's approved process defines the actual criteria.

Merit consideration

A merit decision may consider contribution or performance under the organization's approved rules. This example does not state what evidence is required or guarantee an increase.

  • Check the confirmed criteria and applicable population.
  • Do not promise a result before the authorized decision.

Promotion consideration

A promotion decision concerns a change in role or level under the organization's process. This example does not define career criteria, eligibility, or approval requirements.

  • Check the authoritative role and approval process.
  • Do not present a compensation-cycle discussion as a promotion commitment.

Use Compensation Management for current cycle details

Dates, amounts, eligibility, approvals, and local applicability require confirmation.

Check Compensation Management for the configured cycle and tasks available to you.

Confirm the current timeline and approval path with the authoritative process owner.

If an instruction or decision is unclear, pause and seek clarification through the designated route.