Companies are complex business structures characterized by the issuance of shares to shareholders. These businesses differ from others in various regards, one of which includes directors. Directors are elected individuals in a company responsible for its corporate policies and operations. The number of directors will differ between companies. However, most companies will have at least one director. However, this requirement may vary over several jurisdictions.
Collectively, a company’s directors are a part of its board of directors. This board is responsible for forming strategies for the company’s long-term success. Like other employees, a company’s directors also receive salaries. However, these salaries may include a combination of both fixed and incentive-based rewards. All of these payments form a part of director emolument packages.
What is Director Emolument?
Directors’ emolument consists of a sum of money and benefits received by a company’s directors. These may include fixed salaries, fees, bonuses, shares, etc. All of these combined form for a part of a director’s remuneration or emolument package. Most of these rewards include monetary rewards or other assets that directors can use in exchange for the services.
In most cases, director emolument will also include other benefits. For example, it may involve using the company’s property, vehicles, etc., expense allowances, paid vacations, etc. The director emolument packages may differ from one company to another. However, there are some requirements to which these packages must adhere. These requirements usually come from the companies act that differs over various jurisdictions.
For companies, it is mandatory to have a formal and transparent procedure for setting director emolument. This requirement comes from the companies act, which is similar across all jurisdictions. On top of that, a company’s auditors will also investigate the process used for establishing the director emolument packages. It is also compulsory for directors not to be a part of setting their remuneration.
Who Establishes Director Emolument?
Director emolument includes any payments made to directors in exchange for their services. Since directors are the senior management in a company, they cannot determine their own salaries. Instead, a company’s board of directors is responsible for setting the director’s emolument. However, the company’s shareholders will generally approve an upper limit for the board as a whole. It’s at the board’s discretion how to divide these funds.
In some instances, companies may also form a remuneration committee that is responsible for establishing director emolument. This committee will usually fall under the board of directors. It will consist of several directors who will be responsible for dividing the upper limit of funds set by the shareholders. However, this committee can only provide recommendations for remuneration packages. It is still the board’s responsibility to finalize it.
Overall, a company’s board of directors must set the director remuneration for each director. However, they cannot do so without any restrictions. Therefore, the company’s shareholders’ input will also be crucial for this reason. The decision on the director emolument will also set the performance goals for each director. Based on these goals, directors will receive any bonuses or incentives.
What is the Importance of Director Emolument?
There are several reasons why companies incentivize their directors. Directors are the senior management in any company. These are also individuals who are responsible for setting the company’s long-term goals and strategies. If a company’s directors can receive proper compensation for their work, they are more likely to put more effort into their work. Director emolument is crucial for both directors and companies.
For Directors
Generally, the most significant importance of director emolument relates to motivation. By offering directors both fixed and incentive-based payments, companies can achieve better success. Most companies tie bonuses and other benefits to performance. This way, these companies motivate directors to increase their efforts and achieve significant results.
While performance-based remuneration can be motivational, companies also emphasize fixed payments. It is because some directors may not achieve their goals. Therefore, it is essential they still get paid for their efforts. For companies, it is crucial to balance both fixed and performance remunerations. An ideal mix of both can motivate directors while also keeping them satisfied with their work.
For Companies
For companies, a director emolument is also crucial for the above reasons. On top of that, director emolument can also act as a retention incentive. Most directors are highly sought after and experienced individuals. Once companies find a competent director, offering a proper director emolument package can be critical in retaining their services.
On top of that, the remuneration also needs to be sufficient to attract other directors. For companies looking to hire new directors, the remuneration package is highly crucial. If companies fail to provide a decent package, they cannot attract highly competent directors. Due to this, they may also end up losing their competitive edge over their competitors.
Conclusion
Directors are essential personnel that ensures the long-term success of a company. Director emolument involves any fees, benefits, bonuses, etc., paid to directors. Usually, the board of directors sets the remuneration packages for directors. However, the shareholders will set a limit to it. Director emolument is critical for both directors and companies, as discussed above.
