Question: the amounts of executive compensation and bonuses are often determined by

title: Executive compensation
text: In a modern corporation , the CEO and other top executives are often paid salary plus short - term incentives or bonuses . This combination is referred to as Total Cash Compensation ( TCC ) . Short - term incentives usually are formula - driven and have some performance criteria attached depending on the role of the executive . For example , the Sales Director 's performance related bonus may be based on incremental revenue growth turnover ; a CEO 's could be based on incremental profitability and revenue growth . Bonuses are after - the - fact ( not formula driven ) and often discretionary . Executives may also be compensated with a mixture of cash and shares of the company which are almost always subject to vesting restrictions ( a long - term incentive ) . To be considered a long - term incentive the measurement period must be in excess of one year ( 3 -- 5 years is common ) . The vesting term refers to the period of time before the recipient has the right to transfer shares and realize value . Vesting can be based on time , performance or both . For example , a CEO might get 1 million in cash , and 1 million in company shares ( and share buy options used ) . Vesting can occur in two ways : `` cliff vesting '' ( vesting occurring on one date ) , and `` graded vesting '' ( which occurs over a period of time ) and which maybe `` uniform '' ( e.g. , 20 % of the options vest each year for 5 years ) or `` non-uniform '' ( e.g. , 20 % , 30 % and 50 % of the options vest each year for the next three years ) . Other components of an executive compensation package may include such perks as generous retirement plans , health insurance , a chauffeured limousine , an executive jet , and interest - free loans for the purchase of housing . 

Answer: answer: CEOs and other top executives are often paid salary plus short term incentives or bonuses. Short term incentives usually are formula driven and have some performance criteria attached depending on the role of the executive. Bonuses are after the fact (not formula driven) and often discretionary. Executives may also be compensated with a mixture of cash and shares of the company. Other components of an executive compensation package may include such perks as generous retirement plans, health insurance, a chauffeured limousine, an executive jet, and interest free loans for the purchase of housing.