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Course Description

Executive compensation is a critical component of corporate governance, designed to balance the needs of executives, organizations, and stakeholders. This course provides a foundational overview of the governance structures and decision-making processes that shape executive compensation plans in publicly traded, U.S.-based Fortune 500 companies. You will explore the core elements of executive pay packages, including base salary, performance incentives, benefits, perquisites, and contingent payments, while examining how these components align with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

Through this course, you will evaluate the context in which executive compensation plans are developed and implemented, assess the priorities and influence of key stakeholders, and analyze the tools and strategies used to structure executive pay. By focusing on the governance frameworks and dynamics shaping pay practices, you’ll gain the skills to critically evaluate executive compensation programs and understand their implications for organizational performance and accountability.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

  • Understanding Financial Statements
  • Using Ratio Analysis to Evaluate Financial Performance

Faculty Author

Brian Dunn

Benefits to the Learner

  • Discover how to design executive compensation packages effectively
  • Become familiar with the rationale behind the governance and execution of executive compensation programs in public companies
  • Evaluate the context in which executive compensation plans are designed and implemented
  • Assess the priorities and influence of constituent parties
  • Analyze executive compensation tools

Target Audience

  • Compensation analyst
  • Total rewards specialist
  • HR business partner
  • Compensation and benefits manager
  • HR consultants
  • Organizational design specialists
  • Executive coaches

Accrediting Associations

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Type
2 week
Dates
Jun 03, 2026 to Jun 16, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required.
Type
2 week
Dates
Aug 26, 2026 to Sep 08, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required.
Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 18, 2026 to Dec 01, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION

  • This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required.
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