A recent study of Kienbaum Human Resource Consultancy analysed the development of sal-ary increases of Top Managers in the past 30 year. (Author unknown, 20071, p.23). The result: The income of Top Managers in the 100 biggest German stock companies increased on aver-age from 1976 till 2005 from € 225,000 to € 1,8 millions, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.45%. [...] Salaries like the ones from the previous illustration, as well as big premium packages are worldwide a subject of criticism among investors. Even in the United States, some of the so-called “Fat Cats” are already seen as shysters (Eberle, M. Heilmann, D. Fockenbrock, D., 2007, p.15). Being rich and having a high income is part of the American Dream and as such not a big subject of jealousy. However, the Americans do also appreciate fairness, which is the reason why many Americans react allergically to such high incomes, especially when they assume, that the income doesn’t match with achievements of those receiving the money. Un-der consideration of the accounting scandals in the previous years (e.g. Enron), high rates of unemployment and poor wage agreements, the income level of top managers has to become in line with their achievements and results (Riecke, T. 2007, p.2).
The present assignment will discuss the potential problems between owners and managers of organisation and how gaps between the specific interests can be closed. The following part will lay the theoretical foundation, by highlighting the Principal-Agent Theory. Part three of this assignment will evaluate approaches of how the already mentioned gap can be closed. By doing so, special attention will be paid to share-ownership programmes. Finally, the author of this assignment will summarise the findings and draw his conclusions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Principal-Agent Theory
- 3. Solving the Principal-Agent Problem
- 3.1. Mechanisms to align the interests of the Principal and the Agent
- 3.2. Shared-Ownership Programmes
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This assignment analyzes the potential conflicts between owners and managers in organizations, focusing on the divergence of interests and objectives. It explores solutions to bridge this gap, with a particular emphasis on share-ownership programs.
- Principal-Agent Theory and its application to the owner-manager relationship.
- Mechanisms for aligning the interests of owners and managers.
- Analysis of share-ownership programs as a solution to the principal-agent problem.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of share-ownership programs in achieving their objectives.
- Discussion of the potential benefits and drawbacks of share-ownership programs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1: Introduction introduces the problem of high executive compensation and its societal implications, setting the stage for the discussion of the principal-agent problem.
Chapter 2: Principal-Agent Theory provides a detailed explanation of the principal-agent theory, establishing the theoretical framework for understanding the conflict between owners and managers.
Chapter 3: Solving the Principal-Agent Problem explores various mechanisms to align the interests of principals and agents, including different payment schemes and financial participation models. Section 3.2 specifically delves into the details of shared-ownership programs (SOPs).
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Principal-Agent Theory, agency costs, executive compensation, share-ownership programs (SOPs), employee participation, aligning interests, organizational commitment, productivity, profitability.
- Citar trabajo
- Dipl.-Kfm. (FH), MBA Martin Wenderoth (Autor), 2008, How can basic differences in interest and objectives be solved? Potential problems between owners and managers, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/122118
