We examine, both theoretically and empirically, the determinants and performance impact of three measures of CEO incentives: pay-performance elasticity (PPE), semi-elasticity (PPSE), and sensitivity (PPS). Larger, more R&D intensive, and low-idiosyncratic risk firms have higher PPE and PPSE,...

This paper models optimal executive compensation in a setting where managers are in a position to influence the public perception of their company, and thus the short-term stock price. Stock prices take the possibility of manipulation into account but fail to fully back it out, the degree of...