Page 11 - Bruce Ellig - The Complete Guide to Executive Compensation (2007)

Preface

T his is the revised and expanded edition of my book, somewhat immodestly
titled The Complete Guide to Executive Compensation, for that was its objective
from the beginning. It has not only been updated but also expanded, includ-
ing, among other items, a glossary with over 2,000 definitions and the addition
of 68 illustrative figures and tables (raising the combined total to 446). It is designed to be a
desktop reference book that compensation professionals, members of management, and
directors of boards can use to find useful information for understanding the issues and
alternatives involved in coming up with a sound executive compensation package that effec-
tively blends salary, benefits, perquisites, and short- and long-term incentives while taking
into account government regulations, tax law, organizational and executive needs, and the
rewarding of performance.
You may want to begin by reading the last chapter, which summarizes the previous 11
chapters and provides an overview of what is covered. I was tempted to lead off with this
summary of chapters but decided against forcing the book’s sequence on the reader. Next,
I suggest reading Chapter 1 because it provides an overview of executive compensation.
Although the other chapters follow a sequential logic, it is not imperative they be read in the
order shown. Some readers will have an interest in a particular chapter, such as long-term
incentives or the board of directors; others might find it of interest to read through the entire
book to gain a better appreciation of the makeup of executive compensation.
I was fortunate to have input and suggestions from a number of outstanding people, who
are listed in the acknowledgments. Although I have made every attempt to be accurate and
current, it is important to realize that this is not a book that professes to provide expert infor-
mation on accounting, SEC, tax, or other professional service matters. For that, you need to
seek appropriate counsel. Nevertheless, I believe the material in this book provides a good
understanding of most executive compensation issues and will help you formulate good ques-
tions for those discussions.
Although I’ve made every attempt to avoid errors in this book, I regret if any exist. I am
very interested in comments and suggestions that would make the next edition more useful
and come closer to really being the complete guide to executive compensation. Send these to
me in care of the publisher at Two Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121.

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Copyright © 2007 by Bruce R. Ellig. Click here for terms of use.