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Complexity of CEO compensation packages

Author

Listed:
  • Albuquerque, Ana
  • Carter, Mary Ellen
  • Guo, Zhe (Michael)
  • Lynch, Luann J.

Abstract

This paper examines complexity in CEO compensation contracts. We develop a measure of compensation complexity and provide empirical evidence that complexity has increased substantially over time. We document that complexity results not only from factors reflecting efficient contracting, but also from external pressures from compensation consultants, institutional investors, proxy advisors, and attempts to benchmark to peers, with these external factors having greater impact in more recent years. Examining consequences of contract complexity, we find an association with lower future firm performance that is related to the influence of external factors on compensation design. We further find this relation is partially mitigated when a contract's performance metrics are more highly correlated, consistent with information processing costs hampering decision-making. Collectively, these findings confirm concerns raised by investors and the media regarding compensation complexity and can inform boards in their design of CEO pay packages.

Suggested Citation

  • Albuquerque, Ana & Carter, Mary Ellen & Guo, Zhe (Michael) & Lynch, Luann J., 2025. "Complexity of CEO compensation packages," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaecon:v:79:y:2025:i:1:s0165410124000399
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jacceco.2024.101709
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CEO compensation; Contracts; Complexity; Incentives; Information processing costs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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