Mission Success and Game Balance

Missions given by johnsons can have various degrees of "success".

Mission Disaster- The mission was not only failed, but the specifics have made things worse for the johnson or the party. Perhaps they alerted the opposing company that the johnson hired them, got captured, or otherwise royally screwed up. Not only do johnsons not pay for this, they may get pissed at you and there may be deeper consequences. Game mechanics wise, you may get less karma for this mission.

Mission Failed- The mission was failed. This may be for a variety of reasons. Someone who hires you to steal something may get mission failed if the theft was successful, but the enemy became aware of who you are working for, of if some other facet of the mission (either specifically mentioned or implied) was failed. Johnsons typically do not pay for this. Missions you quit midway might qualify for this ending. You might still get karma for this mission (unless you just didn't go on it).

Mission Finished- The mission was technically a success, but you did not perform up to the johnson's expectations. Perhaps you stole the prototype, but didn't get the access codes, or you made a PR nightmare by blowing up the entire building before you left. In any case, johnsons may pay you a reduced amount for the mission (though karma is probably unaffected)

Mission Successful- The mission was a success. You did exactly as was expected of you, and the johnson will typically pay you the agreed amount (depending on the trustworthiness of the johnson).

Mission Complete- Not only was the mission a success, you did better than the johnson expected. Perhaps you got extra data, got someone else blamed for the theft, or just did such a good job that the johnson provides you with some bonus money (and the GM gives bonus karma)

Dark/Light Ending- Some missions have multiple paths to victory. Perhaps you need to get someone in the governor's spot. Running a great campaign might get light side ending, while killing all other applicants would be a dark side ending. This may affect reputation or fame.

Side Mission- Some missions have extra things that might come up during them. Perhaps during a stakeout you find a witness to save, or see an unrelated opportunity come up during the mission. Side missions may get extra pay (from johnsons or other interested parties), and karma is usually increased for particpating in them.

Game Balance
While shadowrun comes somewhat pre-balanced, based on the limited nature of improving characters, some missions will be harder than others, and some missions can be made MUCH easier by some pre-work by the PCs, including careful planning, information gathering, and teamwork.

In the absense of these things, a mission will be much harder. This will not necessarily increase karma or other benefits of the mission. Just like in D&D, a trap has the same CR whether you spring it or pass it. Failing checks or making things more difficult for yourself does not increase the rewards of the mission.

Likewise, not participating in a mission may not involve payment or karma for your character. (Sometimes this is decied by the other PCs, sometimes by the GM, but usually this relates to your player not being present during a session or actively sitting out during missions- so should be a rare, if ever, occurance). Rest assured, there are usually ways to "catch up" available- just ask.

Also note, in some (probably rare) circumstanes, different PCs may get different ratings for mission success.