Final answer:
The compensation model where a commission is paid on top of a basic salary is called a salary plus commission structure, often leading to increased employee performance and pay.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a small business owner pays a commission in addition to a basic salary, it is called a salary plus commission structure.
This method of compensation is popular with both economists and the general public because it effectively increases the payment received for work.
It motivates employees to perform better, as their earnings directly correlate with their performance, leading to potentially higher payouts than a fixed salary alone.