Historically, executive compensation has been a hot topic. In the past, the news focused on the biggest raise, biggest bonus, or the biggest severance package. Today, its attention often is centered on the understanding that executive compensation programs have the power to guide and motivate behavior.

Designed properly, executive compensation programs can help a company focus its energies, develop winning strategies, drive innovation, and lead to operational and financial success. But designed improperly, many now believe these programs can lead a management team down a dark path, considering almost anything to achieve success- even activities that are deceptive, fraudulent, or illegal.

Offering some of the most valuable information and best practices available, Executive Compensation - The Professional’s Guide to Current Issues & Practices covers 17 key topics that have been analyzed and discussed by leaders in the executive compensation field. Divided into four sections, this book:

• Takes a holistic look at executive compensation
  
• Focuses on specific key elements of an executive compensation program including variable pay plans, stock plans, benefits and perquisites, and deferred compensation
  
• Discusses advanced topics including corporate governance, compensation committees, performance measures and goals, and business unit incentive plans
  
• Includes special topics in executive compensation such as coverage of employment agreements, regulatory issues and director compensation.