In: Accounting
Explain the problems associated with questionable executive compensation schemes.
A survey by Thompson Financial revealed the strong belief that executives have abused stock-based compensation. The consensus is that fewer stock options should be offered than currently is the practice. Excessive use of short-term stock options to compensate directors and executives may result in short-term thinking and strategies aimed at driving up stock prices at the expense of the firm’s long-term health. In extreme cases, financial statement misrepresentation has been the vehicle to achieve the stock price needed to exercise the option.
Excessive stock options for executives may promote short-term strategies, risking long-term health and potentially leading to financial misrepresentation.