If token rewards are handed out rather than commensurate rewards, it will actually do more...

In innovation engagement, rewards must feel meaningful and proportionate to the effort, risk, and value being requested from participants. A token reward is a weak, symbolic reward that does not match the seriousness of the contribution. If employees are asked to invest creativity, discretionary effort, problem-solving energy, and possibly reputational risk into an innovation program, a reward that feels cheap or dismissive can damage trust. That is why the strongest answer is that token rewards can embitter the organization toward the program. They make the innovation effort appear performative rather than sincere. Option B is wrong because the issue is not excessive idea volume; in fact, poor rewards usually reduce engagement. Option C is too absolute and imprecise. Option D concerns project execution, not reward psychology. The question is testing reinforcement mechanisms and engagement credibility. Meaningless incentives can turn people against the program instead of motivating sustained participation.