What is one potential limitation of a stipend compared to a salary?

A stipend is typically a fixed sum of money paid periodically to individuals, often to support their work or studies, rather than as compensation for specific tasks. This creates a limitation compared to a salary, which is usually tied directly to agreed-upon work responsibilities and hours. In practice, stipends may not reflect the amount of work performed or the complexity of the tasks, leading to inconsistencies in how they are perceived relative to salaries.

This distinction highlights that while salaries are calculated based on specific job descriptions and duties, stipends often serve broader purposes—such as covering living expenses or educational costs—without a direct link to a particular workload. Thus, individuals receiving stipends may not have clear expectations regarding the quantity or quality of work associated with the funds they receive. This lack of correlation can be particularly important in professional settings, where accountability and task completion are vital to job performance.