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Course Description

Executive compensation is a vital driver of organizational success and sustainability, whether in large multinational corporations or smaller private firms. In this course, you will delve into the complexities of executive pay, with a special focus on incentive compensation — performance-based structures designed to align leadership decisions with organizational goals. You’ll examine the critical connections among executive compensation, organizational performance, and stakeholder interests, while addressing questions like why some incentive plans fail and how they can be refined to foster accountability and exceptional leadership.

Throughout the course, you will develop a deeper understanding of how to design effective annual incentive plans for executives. You’ll discover how to use analytical tools to evaluate existing programs and create your own performance-driven frameworks. You’ll also explore broader economic, social, and governance implications of executive pay, balancing technical knowledge with real-world challenges.

If you work in human resources, leadership, corporate governance, or related fields, this course will help you confidently navigate the complexities of executive compensation and design incentive plans that are impactful and sustainable in today’s fast-changing business environment.

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
  • Exploring Executive Compensation and Governance Frameworks

Faculty Author

Diane Burton; Brian Dunn; Don Lowman

Benefits to the Learner

  • Evaluate areas of performance-based compensation
  • Weigh key design decisions regarding an executive compensation plan
  • Design an incentive plan structure

Target Audience

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

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Type
2 week
Dates
Mar 25, 2026 to Apr 14, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $1,199.00
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
Jun 17, 2026 to Jun 30, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $1,199.00
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
Sep 09, 2026 to Sep 22, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $1,199.00
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
Dec 02, 2026 to Dec 15, 2026
Total Number of Hours
10.0
Course Fee(s)
Standard Price $1,199.00
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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