The influence of lead indicator strength on the use of nonfinancial measures in performance management: Evidence from CEO compensation schemes

  • Vincent O'Connell
  • , Don O'Sullivan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Nonfinancial measures (NFMs) are a common feature of strategic performance management frameworks. We examine the role of one widely used NFM: customer satisfaction, in one aspect of strategic performance management: CEO compensation schemes. Drawing on agency theory precepts, we hypothesize that the extent to which firms link CEO compensation to customer satisfaction is influenced by satisfaction's ability to act as a leading indicator of future profitability (lead indicator strength). We further hypothesize that the extent to which customer satisfaction's lead indicator strength influences the weighting of satisfaction in CEO compensation schemes has a positive influence on future shareholder value. Our empirical results offer strong support for both hypotheses and extend research on the use and efficacy of NFMs in CEO compensation schemes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)826-844
Number of pages19
JournalStrategic Management Journal
Volume35
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • agency theory
  • CEO compensation
  • customer satisfaction
  • lead indicator strength
  • nonfinancial measures

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