Global Executive Pay Levels

The expansion of global business by firms based in both the United States and other countries has raised
executive compensation issues. Senior executives in the United States continue to earn higher salaries
than similar executives in other countries.
In the United States, critics of executive pay levels point out that many U.S. corporate CEOs have a ratio
value of more than 350 times that of the average workers in their firms, while in Britain the ratio is 22, in
Canada it is 20, and in Japan it is 11.
After doing some research on global executive pay levels, write a persuasive paper explaining why you
are for or against U.S. executives making significantly more than their employees.

Full Answer Section

      Arguments for High US Executive Pay: Proponents believe high salaries:
  • Attract and retain top talent: Competitive compensation packages are seen as necessary to attract and retain the best CEOs globally.
  • Incentivize performance: High pay can motivate executives to achieve superior results for shareholders.
  • Reflect market value: They argue CEO pay reflects the value an executive brings to a company in a competitive market.
These arguments have merit. Skilled CEOs play a crucial role in steering companies towards success, and attracting top talent can benefit shareholders. However, the current system has several drawbacks. Arguments Against High US Executive Pay: Critics point out that:
  • Widening wealth gap: Excessive executive pay contributes to income inequality, leading to social unrest and hindering economic mobility.
  • Weak correlation with performance: Studies show a weak correlation between CEO pay and company performance. High pay may not guarantee superior results.
  • Disconnect with employees: Large pay disparities can demotivate the workforce and create resentment towards leadership.
A More Balanced Approach: Instead of advocating for a drastic reduction in CEO pay, a more balanced approach is necessary. Here are some possibilities:
  • Performance-based pay: Tie a significant portion of CEO compensation to measurable company performance metrics like employee satisfaction, innovation, and long-term growth, not just short-term stock price.
  • Increased transparency: Greater shareholder transparency in CEO pay packages can foster accountability and discourage excessive compensation.
  • Focus on employee well-being: Companies can invest in employee well-being initiatives like profit sharing, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits packages. This fosters a sense of shared success and motivates the entire workforce.
Conclusion: The issue of executive pay is complex. While attracting top talent is important, exorbitant CEO compensation can have detrimental effects on society and employee morale. By implementing a more balanced approach that links pay to performance, promotes transparency, and invests in employee well-being, US companies can foster a more equitable and sustainable business model.  

Sample Answer

      The issue of executive compensation, particularly the vast pay gap between CEOs and average workers in the United States, has sparked heated debate. While some argue that high salaries incentivize performance and attract top talent, others believe it represents a widening wealth gap and a disconnect between leadership and the workforce. This paper argues for a more moderate approach to executive pay in the US, balancing the need to attract talent with fair compensation for all employees.