While I strongly disagree with the practice of management receiving bonuses while others lose their jobs or take a pay cut, the theory behind this is that some mangers will leave if things are starting to waver. The bonuses continue in some circumstances to "encourage" those that have the option of pi**ing off to greener pastures, to stay. The last thing you want during a battle is the officers deserting. (sometimes the end result is the same either way)
Once again I would not by any means condone this sort of behaviour but I have witnessed this before in another industry and this was the explanation given when the cheques were handed out.