Daichi Inc. is a Japanese software development firm known for its high quality products. Recently, the company held its annual conference and awarded all those employees who were in the top five percent with substantial monetary rewards. Their performance was evaluated on the basis of target achievement, client feedback, and quality ratings. Employees whose performance had not changed drastically were given a minor raise and those who faired badly received no incentives. Many employees blamed the company of creating differences among employees because they felt that it would harm the company in the long run, but Daichi Inc. truly believes that to retain and motivate its best performers, a large incentive is a good step. Daichi Inc. is using a(n) ________ here.
(a)Piece rate plan
(b)Employee stock ownership plan
(c)Modular plan
(d)Merit based plan
(e)Flexible benefits plan

Explanation: In a merit based plan, the employer raises the pay of his or her employees on the basis a set criteria. Under this plan, employer takes into consideration the performance of employees in a specified period and take appropriate decision accordingly regarding pay raise.

In the given case, Daichi is providing their employees raise on the basis of their performances.

Hence we can conclude that Daichi is using merit based plan.