Discussion
1: Aligning Stockholder and Management Interests
Stockholders
and managers want the same thing, don’t they? Theoretically, yes, but in
reality, it does not always work that way. Too often, managers’ personal goals
compete with shareholder wealth maximization. Sometimes, managers pay
themselves excessive salaries or bonuses that are at odds with the idea of
shareholder wealth maximization. How many times have you seen in the news
examples of CEO excesses or outlandish spending on events or things that
definitely do not help the overall goal of stockholder wealth maximization?
To
prepare for this Discussion, think about a time in your professional experience
when a decision was made that seemed to benefit a specific manager or small
group of managers and not the overall corporation. If you do not have
professional experience directly related to this topic, research a situation in
the news where this theme is demonstrated. Consider the outcomes of such an
imbalance between manager and stockholder interests, and research how to avoid
such a situation.
By Day 3
Post:
·
Describe the situation from either your professional experience or
your research.
·
Explain two or more motivational tools that can aid in aligning
stockholder and management interests.
·
Explain how your selected tools are effective in resolving
potential conflicts among managers and stockholders.
General Guidance: Your initial Discussion post, due by Day 3, will typically
be 2–3 paragraphs in length as a general expectation/estimate. Refer to the
rubric for the Week 1 Discussion for grading elements and criteria. Your
Instructor will use the rubric to assess your work.
By Day 5
Respond to two or more of your colleagues in one or more of the
following ways:
·
Comment on the motivational tools presented by your colleague,
providing your insights based on your experience or research.
·
Suggest additional motivational tools that stockholders might use
to balance interests.
·
Ask a probing question of your colleague, based on your readings
from the week and/or your experience. You should be sure to include the context
for your question and why it is important to address.
·
Compare your colleague’s motivational tools with the ones you
presented, and share any insights gained.
