They are curious about what your motivators are and attempting to discern your big-picture lens. How you answer will reveal your leadership skills, whether you are primarily concerned about money more than recognition for the work or vice versa.
By validating this question from a leadership standpoint, you'll be able to navigate this question. Exhibit your understanding that some employees who receive constant praise and recognition, or those who are in it for the glory, wanting to be held in a higher status than others, throughout the year will be less let down by an average pay increase than if their accomplishments went unrecognized. Answering this question wrong could show that you are only in it for the money, which frames you as a less desirable candidate. The trick to answering this question is to exhibit an understanding of why they ask this question and display your big-picture thinking.
