Regulation and the Globalization (Americanization) of Executive Pay

Vanderbilt Law & Economics Research Paper No. 02-05

Columbia University Press, 2003

45 Pages Posted: 8 Aug 2002

See all articles by Brian R. Cheffins

Brian R. Cheffins

University of Cambridge - Faculty of Law; European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)

Randall S. Thomas

Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management; Vanderbilt University - Law School

Date Written: 2002

Abstract

This paper analyzes the question of whether there is a U.S.-oriented convergence trend in international executive pay. After surveying the essential elements of the American pay paradigm, we consider market-oriented dynamics that could constitute a global compensation imperative. We find that it is difficult to predict how decisive these forces will be, in part because market factors do not tell the whole story. Rather, it is necessary to take into account several other variables, such as legal regulation and business culture. These may stop convergence from occurring at any point in the near future. The primary purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the variables that will determine whether executive pay convergence will occur along American lines; therefore, we do not assess in detail whether such a shift would be a "good thing." However, we do recognize the tension between the useful function of U.S.-style pay packages in aligning the interests of shareholders and executives, while also acknowledging that they can in certain circumstances constitute self-serving managerial "rent extraction." Also, the paper makes a significant normative contribution by identifying obstacles regulators will need to address if they want to promote convergence and by drawing attention to rules that could be invoked to hinder the Americanization of executive pay if this was thought to be the better way to proceed.

Suggested Citation

Cheffins, Brian R. and Thomas, Randall S. and Thomas, Randall S., Regulation and the Globalization (Americanization) of Executive Pay (2002). Vanderbilt Law & Economics Research Paper No. 02-05, Columbia University Press, 2003, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=321423 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.321423

Brian R. Cheffins

University of Cambridge - Faculty of Law ( email )

10 West Road
Cambridge, CB3 9DZ
United Kingdom
+44 1223 330084 (Phone)
+44 1223 330055 (Fax)

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI) ( email )

c/o the Royal Academies of Belgium
Rue Ducale 1 Hertogsstraat
1000 Brussels
Belgium

Randall S. Thomas (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Owen Graduate School of Management

401 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
United States

Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States

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