SlideShare ist ein Scribd-Unternehmen logo
1 von 19
Downloaden Sie, um offline zu lesen
Stanford Closer LOOK series
Stanford Closer LOOK series 1
By David F. Larcker and Brian Tayan
November 25, 2019
pay for performance... but not
too much pay
The American Public’s View of CEO Pay
introduction
Among the controversies in corporate governance, perhaps none
is more heated or widely debated across society than that of CEO
pay. Americans might not have strong opinions about chairman
independence, proxy advisory firms, staggered boards, or dual-
class shares, but they almost always have an opinion (usually
negative) about how much CEOs are paid. While researchers and
practitioners argue over concepts of labor market efficiency, pay
for performance, and shareholder alignment, to members of the
public the issue of CEO pay boils down to a personal assessment
of whether any executive deserves to be paid so much money.
	 That said, corporations are not monolithic entities. They vary
by size, industry, and performance, and it is not practical to assume
that CEOs—no matter what pay they are offered on average—will
earn the same amounts in all circumstances. To the American
public, how should pay vary with size and performance? Under
what circumstances do CEOs deserve higher pay, and in those
cases, how much higher should it be? When value is created, how
much of that value should be paid as compensation, and what are
the implications given the incredible size and market valuation of
America’s largest companies?
	 To gain insight into these issues, the Rock Center for
Corporate Governance at Stanford University conducted a survey
of the American public asking their views on CEO pay.1
The views
that American citizens have on CEO pay is centrally important
because public opinion influences political decisions that shape
tax, economic, and regulatory policy. These, in turn, have a
significant impact on the incentives offered to senior executives
who make the investment and capital allocation decisions that
determine the productivity of the general economy and therefore
the standard of living of average Americans.
americans and ceo pay
Not surprisingly, most Americans do not have a favorable view
of CEO compensation. Eighty-six percent of respondents believe
the CEOs of large, public U.S. companies are overpaid; only 14
percent do not. Responses are remarkably similar across political
party affiliation and household income levels (see Exhibit 1).
Responses are also stable over time. A 2016 survey by the Rock
Center found that 83 percent of Americans believed CEOs to be
overpaid relative to the average worker.2
	 CEO pay, however, is not constant across companies. It
varies based on size, profitability, and organizational complexity,
and therefore we might expect that views of pay will depend on
what company is being evaluated. For example, median total
compensation among S&P 500 companies is $12 million, while
median total compensation among Russell 3000 companies is
a much lower $4.1 million. Within the Russell 3000, company
market capitalization at the 90th percentile is $23.6 billion and
CEO pay is $13.3 million; at the 10th percentile, those figures are
$945 million and $1.0 million, respectively. That is, as company
size increases 25-fold, pay increases 13-fold (see Exhibit 2).
	 The typical American agrees that CEO pay should vary with
company size. However, they believe the relation between size
and pay should be much lower than it is in practice. For example,
a typical respondent believes the CEO of a large company by sales
($25 billion) should be paid only 50 percent more than the CEO of
a smaller company by sales ($25 million)—despite a 1,000-fold
difference in revenue between the companies. Only 4 percent of
Americans believe the CEO of the larger company should receive
10 or more times the compensation of the CEO of the smaller
company (see Exhibit 3).3
Similarly, Americans believe the CEO
of a company with 10,000 stores should be paid 50 percent more
than the CEO of a company with 10 stores—also a 1,000-fold
difference in size. Only 7 percent believe the CEO of the larger
company should be paid at least 10 times more (see Exhibit 4).
While the median results are the same in both scenarios, the
distribution of responses is skewed higher in the second scenario,
suggesting that size as measured by operational complexity (store
count) is a more salient factor to Americans than revenue.
	 Furthermore, Americans believe that CEOs should be paid
more for growth. Fifty-four percent believe the CEO of a company
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
2Stanford Closer LOOK series
that is growing and hiring U.S. employees should be paid more
than the CEO of a company that is shrinking and laying off U.S.
employees (assuming they are in the same industry and similarly
sized today), while only 31 percent believe they should be paid
the same (see Exhibit 5). Similarly, two-thirds of Americans (64
percent) believe founders who have presided over the growth
of their companies deserve higher pay than professional CEOs
of similarly sized companies who are promoted to the job (see
Exhibit 6). This suggests the public places a high value on the act
of job creation in assessing CEO pay, which of course directly
affects the economic prospects of workers.
	 Still, the disconnect between observed pay levels and the
public’s view of pay is stark. Prior studies find that CEO pay
increases approximately $0.3 for every $100 change in shareholder
wealth, but the public believes it should increase only $0.05 for
that same change.4
This might be due to the fact that the public
views compensation changes through the economic practices
that exist across the bottom and middle of most organizations,
where promotions are compensated with 10 percent, 15 percent,
and 20 percent raises, rather than the economic practices that we
witness at the top of organizations where compensation scales
significantly with size and profitability. Alternatively, it might be
that Americans do not believe CEOs are responsible for much of
the value creation at their companies. To this end, when given
a hypothetical situation of a CEO who creates $100 million in
value through his or her management, respondents are willing
to share $10 million, or 10 percent of this value in compensation
(median response). However, when asked about a company that
is simply worth $100 million more at the end of the year than at
the beginning of the year, respondents are willing to give only
$500,000 as compensation, implying that CEOs are responsible
for only 5 percent of value creation (see Exhibit 7).5
The research
evidence on this question is very mixed. Prior studies conclude that
CEOs are responsible for as little as 4 percent and as much as 36
percent of company performance.6
Corporate directors estimate
that CEOs are responsible for 40 percent of performance.7
	 Americans also hold varying opinions about how CEOs
should be compensated relative to other highly paid professionals.
Sixty-two percent of the public believe the CEO should always
be the highest paid person in a company, whereas 38 percent do
not (see Exhibit 8). However, only 43 percent believe the CEO of
a movie studio should make more than $10 million per year if an
important actor at that movie production company makes $10
million per year; and only 40 percent believe the CEO of a sports
team should make more than $10 million if an important athlete
on that team makes $10 million per year (see Exhibit 9). That is,
many Americans believe other individuals within an organization
can be responsible for a larger portion of value creation than the
CEO, although opinions on this question are mixed.
	 The public is also divided over the extent to which CEOs are
promoted because of effort, luck, or connections. That is, what
fundamentally drives the career success of the CEO? Thirty-nine
percent believe CEOs are promoted because they worked harder
than others, while 27 percent disagree. Thirty-two percent believe
they were promoted because they were lucky; 31 percent disagree.
And an overwhelming percentage (61 percent versus 8 percent)
believe CEOs had connections who helped them get to the top (see
Exhibits 10-12).
	 While the American public is critical of CEO pay levels,
they are much less critical of CEO perquisites. The majority of
Americans believe it is reasonable to provide the CEO a wide
variety of perks, including a company-provided private car
or jet for work, personal financial advisor, personal security,
supplemental pension, guaranteed severance, and membership to
a local country club. Among these, the use of a private jet for work
is considered the most reasonable, and guaranteed severance and
country club membership are considered the least reasonable.
Surprisingly, the seemingly controversial issue of using a private
jet for work ranks in the middle in terms of appropriateness:
70 percent say it is always or sometimes appropriate to provide
a private jet for work travel, while only 30 percent say this perk
should never be provided (see Exhibit 13).
	 Opinions of CEO pay become only modestly more favorable
when respondents are given actual data about the size and
profitability of the average large U.S. company and the amount of
pay and accumulated equity that CEOs have earned at these firms.
When told that the average large company in the U.S. earned $2
billion in profit last year and its CEO was paid $12 million, only
70 percent believe CEOs are overpaid—a 16-point improvement
over the unprompted question (see Exhibit 14). When told the
average large company has a market value of $45 billion and its
CEO accumulated $50 million in company stock over their career,
72 percent say CEOs are overpaid (see Exhibit 15).
	 Finally, in recent years several wealthy executives have
pledged to donate large portions of their accumulated wealth to
charitable organizations, rather than leave it to family members
at their death.8
To test whether the public’s view of CEO pay is
moderated based on these practices, we asked Americans for their
opinion of CEOs who donate much of their wealth. Responses
are mixed, including equal parts admiration and cynicism. For
example, respondents are as likely to say CEOs who donate most
of their wealth are a good role model for others (34 percent) as
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
3Stanford Closer LOOK series
they are to say CEOs just want to reduce their taxes (31 percent).
They are also as likely to say CEOs donate their wealth to charity
because they feel strongly about addressing important social or
environmental problems (27 percent) as they are to say that CEOs
have probably already given a lot of money to their children (30
percent). A large minority (25 percent) say that CEOs who donate
their wealth do so to improve their reputation (see Exhibit 16).
Why This Matters
1.	 Survey data of the American population shows widespread
negative perceptions of CEO pay, due in part to the common
belief that CEOs are not responsible for significant portions
of the value creation and performance of their companies. Are
these views wrong? Or are the corporate directors who approve
pay levels wrong? How can our understanding of pay and value
be improved and the controversy over CEO pay resolved?
How might companies effectively communicate that CEO pay
is really due to shareholder wealth creation and employment
growth by the CEO?
2.	 The American public understands that CEO pay is, and
should be, related to the size, growth, and value of companies.
However, they disagree about the degree to which pay should
scale with size—i.e., “how much more.” In general, how should
the level of CEO pay rise with complexity and profitability,
particularly among America’s largest corporations? Is there
a point at which CEO pay should simply stop increasing? Or
does the basic economic principle of value sharing continue to
apply no matter the scale of the company?
3.	 Considerable political pressure exists to “reform” CEO pay.
How should political implications, if at all, be factored into
CEO pay decisions? Should pay be reformed in the boardroom,
or should high pay levels be addressed solely through the tax
code?9
4.	 Cynicism runs through the survey data cited in this Closer
Look. The public not only expresses unfavorable views about
CEO pay, but they also express healthy degrees of cynicism
about how CEOs get their jobs (hard work versus luck and
connections) and about CEOs who donate their wealth (to help
society or for tax and reputational benefits). Are the negative
views of CEO pay driven in part by a broader skepticism or
lack of esteem for CEOs? Or do high pay levels themselves
contribute to lower regard for CEOs? 
1
	 In October 2019, the Rock Center conducted a survey of 3,078
individuals—nationally representative by gender, age, race, political
affiliation, household income, and state residence—to understand the
views that Americans have on CEO compensation. Unless otherwise
cited, the statistics cited in this Closer Look are derived from that survey.
2
	 For a fair comparison, responses were adjusted to exclude “I don’t know.”
The unadjusted data in the 2016 survey were 74 percent overpaid, 16
percent not overpaid, and 11 percent “I don’t know.” See, Rock Center
for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, “Americans and CEO
Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016).
3
	 Calculated as the percent of respondents who believe the CEO should
be paid “more” (as opposed to the same or less) multiplied by the percent
who believe pay should be 10 or more times larger (8 percent).
4
	 Michael C. Jensen and Kevin J. Murphy, “Performance Pay and Top-
Management Incentives,” Journal of Political Economy (1990).
5
	Data in this second scenario from: “Americans and CEO Pay: 2016
Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016).
6
	 Using a small sample of 12 British firms, Thomas (1988) finds that CEOs
are responsible for between 3.9 percent and 7 percent of the unexplained
variance in profits, sales, and profit margins across companies. Mackey
(2008) uses a moderate sample of 51 firms whose CEOs worked for
more than one firm in the sample; she finds that CEOs account for 29.2
percent of the unexplained variance in company profitability (ROA) and
12.7 percent in business-segment profitability. Hambrick and Quigley
(2014) use a sample of 830 CEOs and 315 companies and find that
CEOs account for 35.5% of firm outcomes (ROA). See Alan B. Thomas,
“Does Leadership Make a Difference to Organizational Performance?”
Administrative Science Quarterly (1988); Alison Mackey, “The Effect
of CEOs on Firm Performance,” Strategic Management Journal (2008);
Donald C. Hambrick and Timothy J. Quigley, “Toward More Accurate
Contextualization of the CEO Effect on Firm Performance,” Strategic
Management Journal (2014).
7
	 Rock Center for Corporate Governance, “CEOs and Directors on Pay:
2016 Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016).
8
	 See “The Giving Pledge,” available at: https://givingpledge.org/.
9
	 For the American public view of taxes, see Rock Center for Corporate
Governance at Stanford University, “2019 U.S. Tax Survey,” (2019).
David Larcker is Director of the Corporate Governance Research
Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and senior faculty
member at the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford
University. Brian Tayan is a researcher with Stanford’s Corporate
Governance Research Initiative. They are coauthors of the books
Corporate Governance Matters and A Real Look at Real World
Corporate Governance. The authors would like to thank Michelle E.
Gutman for research assistance with these materials.
The Stanford Closer Look Series is dedicated to the memory of our
colleague Nicholas Donatiello.
The Stanford Closer Look Series is a collection of short case studies that
explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance and
leadership.ItispublishedbytheCorporateGovernanceResearchInitiative
at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Rock Center for
CorporateGovernanceatStanfordUniversity.Formoreinformation,visit:
http:/www.gsb.stanford.edu/cgri-research.
Copyright © 2019 by the Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior
University. All rights reserved.
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
4Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 1 — American Perception of CEO Pay Levels
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
In general, do you believe that the CEOs of large, public U.S. companies are overpaid?
14%
86%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
No
Yes
8%
92%
14%
86%
19%
81%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
No
Yes
Republican Independent Democrat
17%
83%
12%
88%
13%
87%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
No
Yes
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
5Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 2 — CEO Pay Levels
Sources: Equilar, “CEO Pay Trends,” (July 2019); The Conference Board, The Conference Board, “CEO & Executive Compensation Practices:
2018 Edition,” (2018); and the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP).
CEO Pay at 500 Largest Companies
6.9 7.2 7.5 8.1 8.7
9.7 10.2 10.6
11.2
12.1
14.3 14.6
15.4 15.3
15.8
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
25th Percentile Median 75th Percentile
CEO Pay at 3000 Largest Companies
Percentile Company Size Market Value CEO Pay Pay as % of Size
90th 300th largest $23,618 million $13.3 million 0.06%
75th 700th $8,256 million $7.8 million 0.09%
50th (Median) 1500th $2,981 million $4.1 million 0.14%
25th 2250th $1,405 million $2.0 million 0.14%
10th 2700th $945 million $1.0 million 0.11%
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
6Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 3 — CEO Pay and Company Revenue
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
How much should the CEO of a large company ($25 billion in sales) be paid relative to the CEO of a
smaller company ($25 million in sales?)
17%
34%
49%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Less
The same
More
[If more] How much more?
3%
3%
11%
10%
6%
16%
32%
19%
3%
6%
11%
11%
7%
17%
29%
16%
4%
5%
12%
15%
3%
15%
31%
15%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Republican Independent Democrat
2%
4%
9%
8%
5%
18%
33%
21%
3%
3%
12%
13%
5%
17%
30%
17%
4%
8%
14%
13%
6%
14%
29%
12%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
High Income Middle Income Low Income
3%
5%
12%
11%
6%
16%
31%
16%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
7Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 4 — CEO Pay and Store Count (Complexity)
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
How much should the CEO of a company with 10,000 stores be paid relative to the CEO of a company
with 10 stores in the U.S.?
12%
26%
62%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
Less
The same
More
[If more] How much more?
2%
7%
15%
9%
7%
18%
27%
15%
5%
9%
15%
12%
3%
19%
26%
11%
6%
9%
14%
9%
5%
20%
26%
11%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Republican Independent Democrat
2%
7%
12%
9%
7%
20%
29%
14%
3%
7%
16%
10%
5%
18%
27%
14%
8%
11%
15%
12%
4%
17%
23%
10%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
High Income Middle Income Low Income
4%
8%
15%
10%
5%
19%
27%
12%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
8Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 5 — CEO Pay and Company Growth
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
How much should the CEO of a company that is growing and hiring employees in the U.S. be paid
relative to the CEO of a company that is shrinking and laying off employees in the U.S. (assuming they
are in the same industry and similarly sized today)?
15%
31%
54%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Less
The same
More
[If more] How much more?
3%
1%
8%
7%
7%
21%
32%
21%
2%
2%
12%
11%
5%
22%
27%
19%
3%
2%
11%
9%
8%
22%
25%
20%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Republican Independent Democrat
2%
2%
8%
6%
10%
24%
27%
21%
2%
2%
10%
9%
5%
20%
30%
22%
4%
2%
12%
11%
7%
21%
26%
17%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
High Income Middle Income Low Income
3%
2%
9%
9%
7%
22%
28%
20%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
9Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 6 — Compensating Founders versus Professional CEOs
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
Does the CEO who starts a company and grows it to be very large (the founder) deserve to be paid
more than the CEO of a large company who did not start the company but was promoted to the job
(not the founder), assuming they are in the same industry and similarly sized today?
[If more] How much more?
36%
64%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
4%
1%
10%
10%
9%
22%
25%
19%
3%
3%
10%
12%
5%
20%
29%
18%
5%
3%
10%
12%
10%
21%
24%
15%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Republican Independent Democrat
3%
1%
8%
9%
11%
22%
26%
20%
3%
2%
10%
12%
7%
22%
27%
17%
6%
4%
12%
15%
7%
18%
24%
14%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
High Income Middle Income Low Income
4%
2%
11%
11%
8%
21%
26%
17%
0% 20% 40%
More than 10 times as much
10 times as much
3-9 times as much (collapsed)
2 times as much
75% more
50% more
25% more
10% more
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
10Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 7 — CEO Pay and Value Sharing
Sources: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University; 2019 survey, and Rock Center
for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, “Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016).
If a CEO creates $100 million in value through his or her management, how much of this $100 million
should be paid to the CEO as compensation?
Hypothetically, if a company is worth $100 million more than at the beginning of the year, how much
of this $100 million should be given to the CEO as compensation?
$10
$- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
$10
$10
$10
$- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
Republican Independent Democrat
$15
$10
$9
$- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
High Income Middle Income Low Income
$0.5
$0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
$0.5
$0.5
$0.5
$0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
Republican Independent Democrat
$0.3
$0.3
$1.0
$0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16
Median
$ in millions
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
11Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 8 — CEO Pay Relative To Other Executives
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
Do you think the CEO should always be the highest paid person at the company?
38%
62%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
39%
61%
44%
56%
29%
71%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
Republican Independent Democrat
41%
59%
37%
63%
34%
66%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
12Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 9 — CEO Pay Relative To Other Highly Paid Professionals
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
If the CEO of a movie studio pays an important actor $10 million per year, should the CEO of this movie
production company make more than $10 million per year?
59%
41%
63%
37%
59%
41%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
Republican Independent Democrat
47%
53%
58%
42%
63%
37%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
High Income Middle Income Low Income
If the CEO of a sports team pays an important athlete $10 million per year, should the CEO of this
sports team make more than $10 million per year?
61%
39%
65%
35%
54%
46%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
Republican Independent Democrat
55%
45%
60%
40%
63%
37%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
High Income Middle Income Low Income
57%
43%
0% 20% 40% 60%
No
Yes
60%
40%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80%
No
Yes
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
13Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 10 — The Contribution of Hard Work to CEO Promotion
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because
they worked harder than others.
7%
20%
34%
27%
12%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
8%
22%
33%
26%
11%
9%
20%
40%
23%
8%
4%
16%
31%
32%
17%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Republican Independent Democrat
7%
17%
37%
26%
13%
7%
21%
33%
29%
10%
8%
23%
33%
24%
12%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
14Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 11 — The Contribution of Luck to CEO Promotion
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because
they were lucky.
7%
24%
37%
23%
9%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
5%
21%
38%
26%
10%
7%
27%
38%
22%
6%
7%
28%
34%
21%
10%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Republican Independent Democrat
7%
21%
38%
24%
10%
5%
25%
38%
24%
8%
9%
29%
33%
21%
8%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
15Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 12 — Inside Connections and CEO Promotion
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because
they had connections who helped them get to the top
2%
6%
31%
38%
23%
0% 20% 40%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
2%
6%
27%
39%
26%
2%
5%
33%
38%
22%
2%
7%
33%
38%
20%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
Republican Independent Democrat
2%
6%
32%
37%
23%
2%
6%
30%
39%
23%
2%
7%
29%
39%
23%
0% 20% 40% 60%
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
16Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 13 — CEO Perquisites
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
Is it reasonable for a company to offer the following perks to its CEO?
15%
15%
16%
19%
24%
25%
34%
43%
55%
44%
62%
46%
50%
55%
42%
30%
40%
19%
30%
25%
11%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Membership to local country club
Private jet for work
Guaranteed severance if they are fired
Personal security
Personal financial advisor
Supplemental pension after retirement
Private car for work
Always Sometimes Never
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
17Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 14 — Company Profit and CEO Pay
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
The average large company in the U.S. earned a profit of $2 billion last year and its CEO was paid $12
million. Which of the following best describes your opinion about CEO pay at these companies?
1%
3%
26%
34%
36%
0% 20% 40%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
1%
2%
22%
34%
41%
2%
3%
27%
34%
34%
1%
4%
30%
34%
31%
0% 20% 40% 60%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
Republican Independent Democrat
1%
3%
27%
32%
37%
1%
3%
25%
36%
35%
1%
3%
26%
34%
36%
0% 20% 40%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
18Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 15 — company market value and ceo pay
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
The average large company in the U.S. had a market valuation of $45 billion last year and its CEO had
accumulated $50 million in company stock during their time as CEO. Which of the following best
describes your opinion about CEO pay at these companies?
1%
2%
25%
35%
37%
0% 20% 40%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
1%
1%
20%
35%
43%
2%
2%
24%
34%
38%
1%
2%
29%
37%
31%
0% 20% 40% 60%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
Republican Independent Democrat
2%
4%
26%
32%
36%
1%
1%
24%
37%
37%
0%
2%
24%
34%
40%
0% 20% 40% 60%
CEOs are highly underpaid
CEOs are somewhat underpaid
CEOs are fairly paid
CEOs are somewhat overpaid
CEOs are highly overpaid
High Income Middle Income Low Income
Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay
19Stanford Closer LOOK series
Exhibit 16 — charitable giving
Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state
residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University.
Some CEOs have pledged to donate the vast majority of their wealth to charitable organizations
rather than leave it to their children through inheritance. What is your opinion of this behavior?
(select all that apply)
12%
13%
17%
21%
22%
25%
27%
30%
31%
34%
0% 20% 40%
No opinion
They feel guilty about making so much money
They want the press to write positive stories about them
They want to deflect criticism about their pay
They deserve favorable public recognition
They want to improve their reputation
They feel strongly about addressing important social or
environmental problems
They have probably given a lot to their children already
They want to reduce their taxes
They are a good role model for others

Weitere ähnliche Inhalte

Was ist angesagt?

Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low Gear
Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low GearLayups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low Gear
Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low GearGene Balas, CFA
 
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4llknaack
 
Female Ceo Pay
Female Ceo PayFemale Ceo Pay
Female Ceo Paygregruel
 
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-min
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-minEuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-min
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-minAvi Z Liran
 
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior Management
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior ManagementThe CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior Management
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior ManagementCredit Suisse
 
Article-EmployeeOwnership
Article-EmployeeOwnershipArticle-EmployeeOwnership
Article-EmployeeOwnershipSuzanne Harris
 
900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest
900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest
900 VCs Surveyed on How They InvestSean Everett
 
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morck
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall MorckPowerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morck
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morcknusbiz
 
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...Massimiliano Caruso
 
Jack Welch Winning Book Review
Jack Welch Winning Book ReviewJack Welch Winning Book Review
Jack Welch Winning Book ReviewShantanu Basu
 
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issue
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issueNavigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issue
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issueThe PRactice
 
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22Andrew Doyle
 

Was ist angesagt? (20)

The Trust Agenda
The Trust AgendaThe Trust Agenda
The Trust Agenda
 
Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low Gear
Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low GearLayups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low Gear
Layups vs layoffs: Why Employment is Stuck In Low Gear
 
Boards, Leadership, and Compensation: Top Five Research Downloads of 2016
Boards, Leadership, and Compensation: Top Five Research Downloads of 2016Boards, Leadership, and Compensation: Top Five Research Downloads of 2016
Boards, Leadership, and Compensation: Top Five Research Downloads of 2016
 
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4
Professional Ethics Paper Scenario 4
 
Female Ceo Pay
Female Ceo PayFemale Ceo Pay
Female Ceo Pay
 
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-min
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-minEuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-min
EuroBusinessReview-Values Combined-min
 
Trust, Key to Achieve Legitimacy and Credibility
Trust, Key to Achieve Legitimacy and CredibilityTrust, Key to Achieve Legitimacy and Credibility
Trust, Key to Achieve Legitimacy and Credibility
 
Diverse Boards - Research Spotlight
Diverse Boards - Research SpotlightDiverse Boards - Research Spotlight
Diverse Boards - Research Spotlight
 
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior Management
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior ManagementThe CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior Management
The CS Gender 3000: Women in Senior Management
 
Article-EmployeeOwnership
Article-EmployeeOwnershipArticle-EmployeeOwnership
Article-EmployeeOwnership
 
cl55_Keller_Culture
cl55_Keller_Culturecl55_Keller_Culture
cl55_Keller_Culture
 
900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest
900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest
900 VCs Surveyed on How They Invest
 
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morck
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall MorckPowerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morck
Powerful Independent Directors by Kathy Fogel, Liping Ma, and Randall Morck
 
The CEO Imperative
The CEO Imperative The CEO Imperative
The CEO Imperative
 
Key Corporate Governance Insights from Stanford Graduate School of Business
Key Corporate Governance Insights from Stanford Graduate School of BusinessKey Corporate Governance Insights from Stanford Graduate School of Business
Key Corporate Governance Insights from Stanford Graduate School of Business
 
Scarlet Letter: Are the CEOs and Directors of Failed Companies "Tainted"?
Scarlet Letter: Are the CEOs and Directors of Failed Companies "Tainted"?Scarlet Letter: Are the CEOs and Directors of Failed Companies "Tainted"?
Scarlet Letter: Are the CEOs and Directors of Failed Companies "Tainted"?
 
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...
Startup | the impact of CEOs achieving superstar status on the performance of...
 
Jack Welch Winning Book Review
Jack Welch Winning Book ReviewJack Welch Winning Book Review
Jack Welch Winning Book Review
 
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issue
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issueNavigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issue
Navigating Downturn Alley - The PRactice May 2016 issue
 
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22
Examining CEO Tenure- %22Short & Sweet%22 Vs %22Long & Illustrious%22
 

Ähnlich wie Pay for Performance… But Not Too Much Pay: The American Public’s View of CEO Pay

cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-final
cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-finalcgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-final
cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-finalDavid Larcker
 
Executive Compensation HRMG 725
Executive Compensation HRMG 725Executive Compensation HRMG 725
Executive Compensation HRMG 725Stephen Burgor
 
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docx
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docxHR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docx
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docxwellesleyterresa
 
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docx
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docxDo CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docx
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docxmadlynplamondon
 
2017 compensation-best-practices-report
2017 compensation-best-practices-report2017 compensation-best-practices-report
2017 compensation-best-practices-reportSATYARTHI PRABANDHAN
 
How Extraordinary Leaders Double Profit
How Extraordinary Leaders Double ProfitHow Extraordinary Leaders Double Profit
How Extraordinary Leaders Double ProfitJim Clemmer
 
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - Final
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - FinalCEO Salary - Group 10 Report - Final
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - FinalStephanie Simopoulos
 
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain times
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain timesUS CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain times
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain timesCristina Ampil
 
1 P a g e Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO .docx
1  P a g e   Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO  .docx1  P a g e   Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO  .docx
1 P a g e Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO .docxhoney725342
 
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...Charm Rammandala
 
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes Fact
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes FactHow Opinion About Job Performance Becomes Fact
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes FactMiqui Mel
 
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination: Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination:  Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...An Analysis of Managerial Coordination:  Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination: Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...Alegra N Horne
 

Ähnlich wie Pay for Performance… But Not Too Much Pay: The American Public’s View of CEO Pay (20)

Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation
Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO CompensationAmericans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation
Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation
 
cl53_CEOPay
cl53_CEOPaycl53_CEOPay
cl53_CEOPay
 
What Is CEO Talent Worth?
What Is CEO Talent Worth?What Is CEO Talent Worth?
What Is CEO Talent Worth?
 
The “Buy Side” View on CEO Pay
The “Buy Side” View on CEO PayThe “Buy Side” View on CEO Pay
The “Buy Side” View on CEO Pay
 
cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-final
cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-finalcgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-final
cgri-stanford-survey-ceos-and-directors-ceo-pay-2016-final
 
Faculty & Research › Publications › CEOs and Directors on Pay: 2016 Survey on...
Faculty & Research › Publications › CEOs and Directors on Pay: 2016 Survey on...Faculty & Research › Publications › CEOs and Directors on Pay: 2016 Survey on...
Faculty & Research › Publications › CEOs and Directors on Pay: 2016 Survey on...
 
Executive Compensation HRMG 725
Executive Compensation HRMG 725Executive Compensation HRMG 725
Executive Compensation HRMG 725
 
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docx
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docxHR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docx
HR, 3eAngelo S. DeNisi, Ricky W. GriffnThe amount of value.docx
 
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docx
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docxDo CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docx
Do CEOs Deserve Their PayThe myths that drive the CEO pay.docx
 
2017 compensation-best-practices-report
2017 compensation-best-practices-report2017 compensation-best-practices-report
2017 compensation-best-practices-report
 
How Extraordinary Leaders Double Profit
How Extraordinary Leaders Double ProfitHow Extraordinary Leaders Double Profit
How Extraordinary Leaders Double Profit
 
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - Final
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - FinalCEO Salary - Group 10 Report - Final
CEO Salary - Group 10 Report - Final
 
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain times
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain timesUS CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain times
US CEOs talk about creating value in uncertain times
 
Survey | Punishing CEOs for Bad Behavior: 2017 Public Perception Survey
Survey | Punishing CEOs for Bad Behavior: 2017 Public Perception SurveySurvey | Punishing CEOs for Bad Behavior: 2017 Public Perception Survey
Survey | Punishing CEOs for Bad Behavior: 2017 Public Perception Survey
 
1 P a g e Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO .docx
1  P a g e   Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO  .docx1  P a g e   Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO  .docx
1 P a g e Q&A with Damon Silvers of the AFL-CIO .docx
 
Seven Myths of Corporate Governance
Seven Myths of Corporate Governance Seven Myths of Corporate Governance
Seven Myths of Corporate Governance
 
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...
Study to investigate the correlation between the operating performances of fi...
 
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes Fact
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes FactHow Opinion About Job Performance Becomes Fact
How Opinion About Job Performance Becomes Fact
 
Ceo tham khảo
Ceo tham khảoCeo tham khảo
Ceo tham khảo
 
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination: Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination:  Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...An Analysis of Managerial Coordination:  Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...
An Analysis of Managerial Coordination: Wil AI Technology Counter the Princi...
 

Mehr von Stanford GSB Corporate Governance Research Initiative

Mehr von Stanford GSB Corporate Governance Research Initiative (20)

The Spread of COVID-19 Disclosure
The Spread of COVID-19 DisclosureThe Spread of COVID-19 Disclosure
The Spread of COVID-19 Disclosure
 
Board Composition, Quality, & Turnover: Research Spotlight
Board Composition, Quality, & Turnover: Research SpotlightBoard Composition, Quality, & Turnover: Research Spotlight
Board Composition, Quality, & Turnover: Research Spotlight
 
The First Outside Director
The First Outside DirectorThe First Outside Director
The First Outside Director
 
Diversity in the C-Suite: The Dismal State of Diversity Among Fortune 100 Sen...
Diversity in the C-Suite: The Dismal State of Diversity Among Fortune 100 Sen...Diversity in the C-Suite: The Dismal State of Diversity Among Fortune 100 Sen...
Diversity in the C-Suite: The Dismal State of Diversity Among Fortune 100 Sen...
 
Governance of Corporate Insider Equity Trades
Governance of Corporate Insider Equity TradesGovernance of Corporate Insider Equity Trades
Governance of Corporate Insider Equity Trades
 
The Principles of Corporate Governance: A Guide to Understanding Concepts of ...
The Principles of Corporate Governance: A Guide to Understanding Concepts of ...The Principles of Corporate Governance: A Guide to Understanding Concepts of ...
The Principles of Corporate Governance: A Guide to Understanding Concepts of ...
 
Survey | 2019 U.S. Tax Survey
Survey | 2019 U.S. Tax SurveySurvey | 2019 U.S. Tax Survey
Survey | 2019 U.S. Tax Survey
 
Stakeholders Take Center Stage: Director Views on Priorities and Society
Stakeholders Take Center Stage: Director Views on Priorities and SocietyStakeholders Take Center Stage: Director Views on Priorities and Society
Stakeholders Take Center Stage: Director Views on Priorities and Society
 
Loosey-Goosey Governance Four: Misunderstood Terms in Corporate Governance
Loosey-Goosey Governance Four: Misunderstood Terms in Corporate GovernanceLoosey-Goosey Governance Four: Misunderstood Terms in Corporate Governance
Loosey-Goosey Governance Four: Misunderstood Terms in Corporate Governance
 
Stakeholders and Shareholders: Are Executives Really “Penny Wise and Pound Fo...
Stakeholders and Shareholders: Are Executives Really “Penny Wise and Pound Fo...Stakeholders and Shareholders: Are Executives Really “Penny Wise and Pound Fo...
Stakeholders and Shareholders: Are Executives Really “Penny Wise and Pound Fo...
 
2019 Survey On Shareholder Versus Stakeholder Interests
2019 Survey On Shareholder Versus Stakeholder Interests 2019 Survey On Shareholder Versus Stakeholder Interests
2019 Survey On Shareholder Versus Stakeholder Interests
 
Core Concept: Shareholders & Activism
Core Concept: Shareholders & ActivismCore Concept: Shareholders & Activism
Core Concept: Shareholders & Activism
 
The Business Case for ESG
The Business Case for ESGThe Business Case for ESG
The Business Case for ESG
 
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Activities
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ActivitiesEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Activities
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Activities
 
Dual-Class Shares - Research Spotlight
Dual-Class Shares - Research SpotlightDual-Class Shares - Research Spotlight
Dual-Class Shares - Research Spotlight
 
Where Does Human Resources Sit at the Strategy Table?
Where Does Human Resources Sit at the Strategy Table?Where Does Human Resources Sit at the Strategy Table?
Where Does Human Resources Sit at the Strategy Table?
 
Scaling Up: The Implementation of Corporate Governance in Pre-IPO Companies
Scaling Up: The Implementation of Corporate Governance in Pre-IPO CompaniesScaling Up: The Implementation of Corporate Governance in Pre-IPO Companies
Scaling Up: The Implementation of Corporate Governance in Pre-IPO Companies
 
The Evolution of Corporate Governance: 2018 Study of Inception to IPO
The Evolution of Corporate Governance: 2018 Study of Inception to IPOThe Evolution of Corporate Governance: 2018 Study of Inception to IPO
The Evolution of Corporate Governance: 2018 Study of Inception to IPO
 
The Double-Edged Sword of CEO Activism
The Double-Edged Sword of CEO ActivismThe Double-Edged Sword of CEO Activism
The Double-Edged Sword of CEO Activism
 
2018 CEO Activism Survey
2018 CEO Activism Survey2018 CEO Activism Survey
2018 CEO Activism Survey
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen

Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deck
Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deckPitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deck
Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deckHajeJanKamps
 
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Time
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any TimeCall Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Time
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Timedelhimodelshub1
 
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdf
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdfInnovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdf
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdfrichard876048
 
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...lizamodels9
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCRashishs7044
 
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in Islamabad
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in IslamabadIslamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in Islamabad
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in IslamabadAyesha Khan
 
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In.../:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...lizamodels9
 
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024christinemoorman
 
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update Presentation Slides
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update  Presentation SlidesKeppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update  Presentation Slides
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update Presentation SlidesKeppelCorporation
 
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdf
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdfDigital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdf
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdfJos Voskuil
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCRashishs7044
 
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdf
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdfAPRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdf
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdfRbc Rbcua
 
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...ssuserf63bd7
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCRashishs7044
 
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu MenzaYouth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menzaictsugar
 
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Service
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort ServiceCall US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Service
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Servicecallgirls2057
 
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...lizamodels9
 
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdf
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdfIntro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdf
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdfpollardmorgan
 
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...Seta Wicaksana
 

Kürzlich hochgeladen (20)

Corporate Profile 47Billion Information Technology
Corporate Profile 47Billion Information TechnologyCorporate Profile 47Billion Information Technology
Corporate Profile 47Billion Information Technology
 
Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deck
Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deckPitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deck
Pitch Deck Teardown: Geodesic.Life's $500k Pre-seed deck
 
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Time
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any TimeCall Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Time
Call Girls Miyapur 7001305949 all area service COD available Any Time
 
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdf
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdfInnovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdf
Innovation Conference 5th March 2024.pdf
 
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...
Lowrate Call Girls In Sector 18 Noida ❤️8860477959 Escorts 100% Genuine Servi...
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in New Ashok Nagar Delhi NCR
 
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in Islamabad
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in IslamabadIslamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in Islamabad
Islamabad Escorts | Call 03070433345 | Escort Service in Islamabad
 
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In.../:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...
/:Call Girls In Indirapuram Ghaziabad ➥9990211544 Independent Best Escorts In...
 
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024
The CMO Survey - Highlights and Insights Report - Spring 2024
 
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update Presentation Slides
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update  Presentation SlidesKeppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update  Presentation Slides
Keppel Ltd. 1Q 2024 Business Update Presentation Slides
 
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdf
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdfDigital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdf
Digital Transformation in the PLM domain - distrib.pdf
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Saket Delhi NCR
 
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdf
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdfAPRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdf
APRIL2024_UKRAINE_xml_0000000000000 .pdf
 
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...
International Business Environments and Operations 16th Global Edition test b...
 
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR
8447779800, Low rate Call girls in Tughlakabad Delhi NCR
 
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu MenzaYouth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
Youth Involvement in an Innovative Coconut Value Chain by Mwalimu Menza
 
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Service
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort ServiceCall US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Service
Call US-88OO1O2216 Call Girls In Mahipalpur Female Escort Service
 
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...
Call Girls In Connaught Place Delhi ❤️88604**77959_Russian 100% Genuine Escor...
 
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdf
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdfIntro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdf
Intro to BCG's Carbon Emissions Benchmark_vF.pdf
 
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...
Ten Organizational Design Models to align structure and operations to busines...
 

Pay for Performance… But Not Too Much Pay: The American Public’s View of CEO Pay

  • 1. Stanford Closer LOOK series Stanford Closer LOOK series 1 By David F. Larcker and Brian Tayan November 25, 2019 pay for performance... but not too much pay The American Public’s View of CEO Pay introduction Among the controversies in corporate governance, perhaps none is more heated or widely debated across society than that of CEO pay. Americans might not have strong opinions about chairman independence, proxy advisory firms, staggered boards, or dual- class shares, but they almost always have an opinion (usually negative) about how much CEOs are paid. While researchers and practitioners argue over concepts of labor market efficiency, pay for performance, and shareholder alignment, to members of the public the issue of CEO pay boils down to a personal assessment of whether any executive deserves to be paid so much money. That said, corporations are not monolithic entities. They vary by size, industry, and performance, and it is not practical to assume that CEOs—no matter what pay they are offered on average—will earn the same amounts in all circumstances. To the American public, how should pay vary with size and performance? Under what circumstances do CEOs deserve higher pay, and in those cases, how much higher should it be? When value is created, how much of that value should be paid as compensation, and what are the implications given the incredible size and market valuation of America’s largest companies? To gain insight into these issues, the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University conducted a survey of the American public asking their views on CEO pay.1 The views that American citizens have on CEO pay is centrally important because public opinion influences political decisions that shape tax, economic, and regulatory policy. These, in turn, have a significant impact on the incentives offered to senior executives who make the investment and capital allocation decisions that determine the productivity of the general economy and therefore the standard of living of average Americans. americans and ceo pay Not surprisingly, most Americans do not have a favorable view of CEO compensation. Eighty-six percent of respondents believe the CEOs of large, public U.S. companies are overpaid; only 14 percent do not. Responses are remarkably similar across political party affiliation and household income levels (see Exhibit 1). Responses are also stable over time. A 2016 survey by the Rock Center found that 83 percent of Americans believed CEOs to be overpaid relative to the average worker.2 CEO pay, however, is not constant across companies. It varies based on size, profitability, and organizational complexity, and therefore we might expect that views of pay will depend on what company is being evaluated. For example, median total compensation among S&P 500 companies is $12 million, while median total compensation among Russell 3000 companies is a much lower $4.1 million. Within the Russell 3000, company market capitalization at the 90th percentile is $23.6 billion and CEO pay is $13.3 million; at the 10th percentile, those figures are $945 million and $1.0 million, respectively. That is, as company size increases 25-fold, pay increases 13-fold (see Exhibit 2). The typical American agrees that CEO pay should vary with company size. However, they believe the relation between size and pay should be much lower than it is in practice. For example, a typical respondent believes the CEO of a large company by sales ($25 billion) should be paid only 50 percent more than the CEO of a smaller company by sales ($25 million)—despite a 1,000-fold difference in revenue between the companies. Only 4 percent of Americans believe the CEO of the larger company should receive 10 or more times the compensation of the CEO of the smaller company (see Exhibit 3).3 Similarly, Americans believe the CEO of a company with 10,000 stores should be paid 50 percent more than the CEO of a company with 10 stores—also a 1,000-fold difference in size. Only 7 percent believe the CEO of the larger company should be paid at least 10 times more (see Exhibit 4). While the median results are the same in both scenarios, the distribution of responses is skewed higher in the second scenario, suggesting that size as measured by operational complexity (store count) is a more salient factor to Americans than revenue. Furthermore, Americans believe that CEOs should be paid more for growth. Fifty-four percent believe the CEO of a company
  • 2. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 2Stanford Closer LOOK series that is growing and hiring U.S. employees should be paid more than the CEO of a company that is shrinking and laying off U.S. employees (assuming they are in the same industry and similarly sized today), while only 31 percent believe they should be paid the same (see Exhibit 5). Similarly, two-thirds of Americans (64 percent) believe founders who have presided over the growth of their companies deserve higher pay than professional CEOs of similarly sized companies who are promoted to the job (see Exhibit 6). This suggests the public places a high value on the act of job creation in assessing CEO pay, which of course directly affects the economic prospects of workers. Still, the disconnect between observed pay levels and the public’s view of pay is stark. Prior studies find that CEO pay increases approximately $0.3 for every $100 change in shareholder wealth, but the public believes it should increase only $0.05 for that same change.4 This might be due to the fact that the public views compensation changes through the economic practices that exist across the bottom and middle of most organizations, where promotions are compensated with 10 percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent raises, rather than the economic practices that we witness at the top of organizations where compensation scales significantly with size and profitability. Alternatively, it might be that Americans do not believe CEOs are responsible for much of the value creation at their companies. To this end, when given a hypothetical situation of a CEO who creates $100 million in value through his or her management, respondents are willing to share $10 million, or 10 percent of this value in compensation (median response). However, when asked about a company that is simply worth $100 million more at the end of the year than at the beginning of the year, respondents are willing to give only $500,000 as compensation, implying that CEOs are responsible for only 5 percent of value creation (see Exhibit 7).5 The research evidence on this question is very mixed. Prior studies conclude that CEOs are responsible for as little as 4 percent and as much as 36 percent of company performance.6 Corporate directors estimate that CEOs are responsible for 40 percent of performance.7 Americans also hold varying opinions about how CEOs should be compensated relative to other highly paid professionals. Sixty-two percent of the public believe the CEO should always be the highest paid person in a company, whereas 38 percent do not (see Exhibit 8). However, only 43 percent believe the CEO of a movie studio should make more than $10 million per year if an important actor at that movie production company makes $10 million per year; and only 40 percent believe the CEO of a sports team should make more than $10 million if an important athlete on that team makes $10 million per year (see Exhibit 9). That is, many Americans believe other individuals within an organization can be responsible for a larger portion of value creation than the CEO, although opinions on this question are mixed. The public is also divided over the extent to which CEOs are promoted because of effort, luck, or connections. That is, what fundamentally drives the career success of the CEO? Thirty-nine percent believe CEOs are promoted because they worked harder than others, while 27 percent disagree. Thirty-two percent believe they were promoted because they were lucky; 31 percent disagree. And an overwhelming percentage (61 percent versus 8 percent) believe CEOs had connections who helped them get to the top (see Exhibits 10-12). While the American public is critical of CEO pay levels, they are much less critical of CEO perquisites. The majority of Americans believe it is reasonable to provide the CEO a wide variety of perks, including a company-provided private car or jet for work, personal financial advisor, personal security, supplemental pension, guaranteed severance, and membership to a local country club. Among these, the use of a private jet for work is considered the most reasonable, and guaranteed severance and country club membership are considered the least reasonable. Surprisingly, the seemingly controversial issue of using a private jet for work ranks in the middle in terms of appropriateness: 70 percent say it is always or sometimes appropriate to provide a private jet for work travel, while only 30 percent say this perk should never be provided (see Exhibit 13). Opinions of CEO pay become only modestly more favorable when respondents are given actual data about the size and profitability of the average large U.S. company and the amount of pay and accumulated equity that CEOs have earned at these firms. When told that the average large company in the U.S. earned $2 billion in profit last year and its CEO was paid $12 million, only 70 percent believe CEOs are overpaid—a 16-point improvement over the unprompted question (see Exhibit 14). When told the average large company has a market value of $45 billion and its CEO accumulated $50 million in company stock over their career, 72 percent say CEOs are overpaid (see Exhibit 15). Finally, in recent years several wealthy executives have pledged to donate large portions of their accumulated wealth to charitable organizations, rather than leave it to family members at their death.8 To test whether the public’s view of CEO pay is moderated based on these practices, we asked Americans for their opinion of CEOs who donate much of their wealth. Responses are mixed, including equal parts admiration and cynicism. For example, respondents are as likely to say CEOs who donate most of their wealth are a good role model for others (34 percent) as
  • 3. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 3Stanford Closer LOOK series they are to say CEOs just want to reduce their taxes (31 percent). They are also as likely to say CEOs donate their wealth to charity because they feel strongly about addressing important social or environmental problems (27 percent) as they are to say that CEOs have probably already given a lot of money to their children (30 percent). A large minority (25 percent) say that CEOs who donate their wealth do so to improve their reputation (see Exhibit 16). Why This Matters 1. Survey data of the American population shows widespread negative perceptions of CEO pay, due in part to the common belief that CEOs are not responsible for significant portions of the value creation and performance of their companies. Are these views wrong? Or are the corporate directors who approve pay levels wrong? How can our understanding of pay and value be improved and the controversy over CEO pay resolved? How might companies effectively communicate that CEO pay is really due to shareholder wealth creation and employment growth by the CEO? 2. The American public understands that CEO pay is, and should be, related to the size, growth, and value of companies. However, they disagree about the degree to which pay should scale with size—i.e., “how much more.” In general, how should the level of CEO pay rise with complexity and profitability, particularly among America’s largest corporations? Is there a point at which CEO pay should simply stop increasing? Or does the basic economic principle of value sharing continue to apply no matter the scale of the company? 3. Considerable political pressure exists to “reform” CEO pay. How should political implications, if at all, be factored into CEO pay decisions? Should pay be reformed in the boardroom, or should high pay levels be addressed solely through the tax code?9 4. Cynicism runs through the survey data cited in this Closer Look. The public not only expresses unfavorable views about CEO pay, but they also express healthy degrees of cynicism about how CEOs get their jobs (hard work versus luck and connections) and about CEOs who donate their wealth (to help society or for tax and reputational benefits). Are the negative views of CEO pay driven in part by a broader skepticism or lack of esteem for CEOs? Or do high pay levels themselves contribute to lower regard for CEOs?  1 In October 2019, the Rock Center conducted a survey of 3,078 individuals—nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence—to understand the views that Americans have on CEO compensation. Unless otherwise cited, the statistics cited in this Closer Look are derived from that survey. 2 For a fair comparison, responses were adjusted to exclude “I don’t know.” The unadjusted data in the 2016 survey were 74 percent overpaid, 16 percent not overpaid, and 11 percent “I don’t know.” See, Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, “Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016). 3 Calculated as the percent of respondents who believe the CEO should be paid “more” (as opposed to the same or less) multiplied by the percent who believe pay should be 10 or more times larger (8 percent). 4 Michael C. Jensen and Kevin J. Murphy, “Performance Pay and Top- Management Incentives,” Journal of Political Economy (1990). 5 Data in this second scenario from: “Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016). 6 Using a small sample of 12 British firms, Thomas (1988) finds that CEOs are responsible for between 3.9 percent and 7 percent of the unexplained variance in profits, sales, and profit margins across companies. Mackey (2008) uses a moderate sample of 51 firms whose CEOs worked for more than one firm in the sample; she finds that CEOs account for 29.2 percent of the unexplained variance in company profitability (ROA) and 12.7 percent in business-segment profitability. Hambrick and Quigley (2014) use a sample of 830 CEOs and 315 companies and find that CEOs account for 35.5% of firm outcomes (ROA). See Alan B. Thomas, “Does Leadership Make a Difference to Organizational Performance?” Administrative Science Quarterly (1988); Alison Mackey, “The Effect of CEOs on Firm Performance,” Strategic Management Journal (2008); Donald C. Hambrick and Timothy J. Quigley, “Toward More Accurate Contextualization of the CEO Effect on Firm Performance,” Strategic Management Journal (2014). 7 Rock Center for Corporate Governance, “CEOs and Directors on Pay: 2016 Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016). 8 See “The Giving Pledge,” available at: https://givingpledge.org/. 9 For the American public view of taxes, see Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, “2019 U.S. Tax Survey,” (2019). David Larcker is Director of the Corporate Governance Research Initiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and senior faculty member at the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Brian Tayan is a researcher with Stanford’s Corporate Governance Research Initiative. They are coauthors of the books Corporate Governance Matters and A Real Look at Real World Corporate Governance. The authors would like to thank Michelle E. Gutman for research assistance with these materials. The Stanford Closer Look Series is dedicated to the memory of our colleague Nicholas Donatiello. The Stanford Closer Look Series is a collection of short case studies that explore topics, issues, and controversies in corporate governance and leadership.ItispublishedbytheCorporateGovernanceResearchInitiative at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Rock Center for CorporateGovernanceatStanfordUniversity.Formoreinformation,visit: http:/www.gsb.stanford.edu/cgri-research. Copyright © 2019 by the Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University. All rights reserved.
  • 4. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 4Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 1 — American Perception of CEO Pay Levels Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. In general, do you believe that the CEOs of large, public U.S. companies are overpaid? 14% 86% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% No Yes 8% 92% 14% 86% 19% 81% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% No Yes Republican Independent Democrat 17% 83% 12% 88% 13% 87% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% No Yes High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 5. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 5Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 2 — CEO Pay Levels Sources: Equilar, “CEO Pay Trends,” (July 2019); The Conference Board, The Conference Board, “CEO & Executive Compensation Practices: 2018 Edition,” (2018); and the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP). CEO Pay at 500 Largest Companies 6.9 7.2 7.5 8.1 8.7 9.7 10.2 10.6 11.2 12.1 14.3 14.6 15.4 15.3 15.8 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 25th Percentile Median 75th Percentile CEO Pay at 3000 Largest Companies Percentile Company Size Market Value CEO Pay Pay as % of Size 90th 300th largest $23,618 million $13.3 million 0.06% 75th 700th $8,256 million $7.8 million 0.09% 50th (Median) 1500th $2,981 million $4.1 million 0.14% 25th 2250th $1,405 million $2.0 million 0.14% 10th 2700th $945 million $1.0 million 0.11%
  • 6. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 6Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 3 — CEO Pay and Company Revenue Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. How much should the CEO of a large company ($25 billion in sales) be paid relative to the CEO of a smaller company ($25 million in sales?) 17% 34% 49% 0% 20% 40% 60% Less The same More [If more] How much more? 3% 3% 11% 10% 6% 16% 32% 19% 3% 6% 11% 11% 7% 17% 29% 16% 4% 5% 12% 15% 3% 15% 31% 15% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more Republican Independent Democrat 2% 4% 9% 8% 5% 18% 33% 21% 3% 3% 12% 13% 5% 17% 30% 17% 4% 8% 14% 13% 6% 14% 29% 12% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more High Income Middle Income Low Income 3% 5% 12% 11% 6% 16% 31% 16% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more
  • 7. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 7Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 4 — CEO Pay and Store Count (Complexity) Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. How much should the CEO of a company with 10,000 stores be paid relative to the CEO of a company with 10 stores in the U.S.? 12% 26% 62% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% Less The same More [If more] How much more? 2% 7% 15% 9% 7% 18% 27% 15% 5% 9% 15% 12% 3% 19% 26% 11% 6% 9% 14% 9% 5% 20% 26% 11% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more Republican Independent Democrat 2% 7% 12% 9% 7% 20% 29% 14% 3% 7% 16% 10% 5% 18% 27% 14% 8% 11% 15% 12% 4% 17% 23% 10% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more High Income Middle Income Low Income 4% 8% 15% 10% 5% 19% 27% 12% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more
  • 8. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 8Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 5 — CEO Pay and Company Growth Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. How much should the CEO of a company that is growing and hiring employees in the U.S. be paid relative to the CEO of a company that is shrinking and laying off employees in the U.S. (assuming they are in the same industry and similarly sized today)? 15% 31% 54% 0% 20% 40% 60% Less The same More [If more] How much more? 3% 1% 8% 7% 7% 21% 32% 21% 2% 2% 12% 11% 5% 22% 27% 19% 3% 2% 11% 9% 8% 22% 25% 20% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more Republican Independent Democrat 2% 2% 8% 6% 10% 24% 27% 21% 2% 2% 10% 9% 5% 20% 30% 22% 4% 2% 12% 11% 7% 21% 26% 17% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more High Income Middle Income Low Income 3% 2% 9% 9% 7% 22% 28% 20% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more
  • 9. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 9Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 6 — Compensating Founders versus Professional CEOs Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Does the CEO who starts a company and grows it to be very large (the founder) deserve to be paid more than the CEO of a large company who did not start the company but was promoted to the job (not the founder), assuming they are in the same industry and similarly sized today? [If more] How much more? 36% 64% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes 4% 1% 10% 10% 9% 22% 25% 19% 3% 3% 10% 12% 5% 20% 29% 18% 5% 3% 10% 12% 10% 21% 24% 15% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more Republican Independent Democrat 3% 1% 8% 9% 11% 22% 26% 20% 3% 2% 10% 12% 7% 22% 27% 17% 6% 4% 12% 15% 7% 18% 24% 14% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more High Income Middle Income Low Income 4% 2% 11% 11% 8% 21% 26% 17% 0% 20% 40% More than 10 times as much 10 times as much 3-9 times as much (collapsed) 2 times as much 75% more 50% more 25% more 10% more
  • 10. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 10Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 7 — CEO Pay and Value Sharing Sources: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University; 2019 survey, and Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, “Americans and CEO Pay: 2016 Public Perception Survey on CEO Compensation,” (2016). If a CEO creates $100 million in value through his or her management, how much of this $100 million should be paid to the CEO as compensation? Hypothetically, if a company is worth $100 million more than at the beginning of the year, how much of this $100 million should be given to the CEO as compensation? $10 $- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions $10 $10 $10 $- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions Republican Independent Democrat $15 $10 $9 $- $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions High Income Middle Income Low Income $0.5 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions $0.5 $0.5 $0.5 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions Republican Independent Democrat $0.3 $0.3 $1.0 $0 $2 $4 $6 $8 $10 $12 $14 $16 Median $ in millions High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 11. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 11Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 8 — CEO Pay Relative To Other Executives Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Do you think the CEO should always be the highest paid person at the company? 38% 62% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes 39% 61% 44% 56% 29% 71% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes Republican Independent Democrat 41% 59% 37% 63% 34% 66% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 12. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 12Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 9 — CEO Pay Relative To Other Highly Paid Professionals Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. If the CEO of a movie studio pays an important actor $10 million per year, should the CEO of this movie production company make more than $10 million per year? 59% 41% 63% 37% 59% 41% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes Republican Independent Democrat 47% 53% 58% 42% 63% 37% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes High Income Middle Income Low Income If the CEO of a sports team pays an important athlete $10 million per year, should the CEO of this sports team make more than $10 million per year? 61% 39% 65% 35% 54% 46% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes Republican Independent Democrat 55% 45% 60% 40% 63% 37% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes High Income Middle Income Low Income 57% 43% 0% 20% 40% 60% No Yes 60% 40% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% No Yes
  • 13. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 13Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 10 — The Contribution of Hard Work to CEO Promotion Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because they worked harder than others. 7% 20% 34% 27% 12% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree 8% 22% 33% 26% 11% 9% 20% 40% 23% 8% 4% 16% 31% 32% 17% 0% 20% 40% 60% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree Republican Independent Democrat 7% 17% 37% 26% 13% 7% 21% 33% 29% 10% 8% 23% 33% 24% 12% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 14. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 14Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 11 — The Contribution of Luck to CEO Promotion Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because they were lucky. 7% 24% 37% 23% 9% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree 5% 21% 38% 26% 10% 7% 27% 38% 22% 6% 7% 28% 34% 21% 10% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree Republican Independent Democrat 7% 21% 38% 24% 10% 5% 25% 38% 24% 8% 9% 29% 33% 21% 8% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 15. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 15Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 12 — Inside Connections and CEO Promotion Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. To what extent do you agree with the following statement: CEOs get promoted to their jobs because they had connections who helped them get to the top 2% 6% 31% 38% 23% 0% 20% 40% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree 2% 6% 27% 39% 26% 2% 5% 33% 38% 22% 2% 7% 33% 38% 20% 0% 20% 40% 60% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree Republican Independent Democrat 2% 6% 32% 37% 23% 2% 6% 30% 39% 23% 2% 7% 29% 39% 23% 0% 20% 40% 60% Strongly disagree Disagree Neither agree nor disagree Agree Strongly agree High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 16. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 16Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 13 — CEO Perquisites Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Is it reasonable for a company to offer the following perks to its CEO? 15% 15% 16% 19% 24% 25% 34% 43% 55% 44% 62% 46% 50% 55% 42% 30% 40% 19% 30% 25% 11% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Membership to local country club Private jet for work Guaranteed severance if they are fired Personal security Personal financial advisor Supplemental pension after retirement Private car for work Always Sometimes Never
  • 17. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 17Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 14 — Company Profit and CEO Pay Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. The average large company in the U.S. earned a profit of $2 billion last year and its CEO was paid $12 million. Which of the following best describes your opinion about CEO pay at these companies? 1% 3% 26% 34% 36% 0% 20% 40% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid 1% 2% 22% 34% 41% 2% 3% 27% 34% 34% 1% 4% 30% 34% 31% 0% 20% 40% 60% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid Republican Independent Democrat 1% 3% 27% 32% 37% 1% 3% 25% 36% 35% 1% 3% 26% 34% 36% 0% 20% 40% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 18. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 18Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 15 — company market value and ceo pay Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. The average large company in the U.S. had a market valuation of $45 billion last year and its CEO had accumulated $50 million in company stock during their time as CEO. Which of the following best describes your opinion about CEO pay at these companies? 1% 2% 25% 35% 37% 0% 20% 40% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid 1% 1% 20% 35% 43% 2% 2% 24% 34% 38% 1% 2% 29% 37% 31% 0% 20% 40% 60% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid Republican Independent Democrat 2% 4% 26% 32% 36% 1% 1% 24% 37% 37% 0% 2% 24% 34% 40% 0% 20% 40% 60% CEOs are highly underpaid CEOs are somewhat underpaid CEOs are fairly paid CEOs are somewhat overpaid CEOs are highly overpaid High Income Middle Income Low Income
  • 19. Pay for Performance... But Not Too Much Pay 19Stanford Closer LOOK series Exhibit 16 — charitable giving Source: Survey of 3,078 individuals, nationally representative by gender, age, race, political affiliation, household income, and state residence, conducted in October 2019 by the Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University. Some CEOs have pledged to donate the vast majority of their wealth to charitable organizations rather than leave it to their children through inheritance. What is your opinion of this behavior? (select all that apply) 12% 13% 17% 21% 22% 25% 27% 30% 31% 34% 0% 20% 40% No opinion They feel guilty about making so much money They want the press to write positive stories about them They want to deflect criticism about their pay They deserve favorable public recognition They want to improve their reputation They feel strongly about addressing important social or environmental problems They have probably given a lot to their children already They want to reduce their taxes They are a good role model for others