Discuss Equity on Demand: The Netflix Approach to Compensation Stanford Graduate School of Business CG-19 date: 01/15/10.

You are required to write a report on Netflix’s approach to compensation. Your report should contain the following sections:1. Case summary: Identify the key facts relating to Netflix and their compensation strategy.2. Literature review: What insights does the academic literature provide on the issues raised by the case? (Please restrict yourself primarily to the literature we have referred to throughout the course – both in lectures and on the reading list.)3. Analysis: What is your analysis of the approach Netflix have taken to compensation?You may wish to discuss:(i) What factors might explain the findings in Exhibits 6 regarding the correlations between electing to receive stock options and job performance?(ii) What is the broader applicability of the type of compensation program used by Netflix?4. Recommendations: What changes would you suggest that Netflix make to its compensation program?You should also include a brief introduction and conclusion. For the avoidance of doubt please answer the questions above, not those at the end of the case study.StructureThere is more than one way to structure a good case analysis. Nevertheless, we recommend the following structure.1. (1) Introduction: My generic advice for an introduction is as follows: what is the question/ problem being addressed, brief reference to context, any key definitions (if required), an outline of your structure.2. (2) Case summary. What are the key facts of the case? Be as concise as possible and make use of the quantitative data as well as the qualitative data.3. (3) Theoretical framework for your analysis. What are the main theories/ evidence which are relevant to your analysis of the data?4. (4) Analysis. By applying your theoretical framework (3) to the data (2) you have summarised, how do you explain the data – what is going on?5. (5) Conclusion. What is the main take-away? (No new information.) 6. (6) Bibliography. Provide a list of references used.What are we looking for:Use of course materials:Shows understanding of the course material, including lectures & required readings. Uses theories and concepts appropriately. Demonstrates thoughtfulness, understanding, and a critical perspective.Quality of argumentation and writing:Arguments are clear, well-structured, and supported by evidence. Overall essay flows in a logical and easy-to-follow way. Essay contains an introductory and concluding paragraph. The body of the essay has clearly defined paragraphs. Writing is analytical (argument- focused) rather than descriptive.

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

Introduction:
Netflix is a leading streaming platform known for its unconventional approaches to management, innovation, and compensation. This report aims to analyze the company’s compensation strategy by summarizing the key facts, reviewing the relevant literature, and providing recommendations for future improvements.

Case Summary:
Netflix has a unique approach to compensation that emphasizes high salaries, no bonuses, and stock options as the primary means of incentivizing employees. The company argues that this approach is aligned with its culture of performance, transparency, and risk-taking. In addition, Netflix does not have a fixed salary structure or formal performance reviews but instead relies on managers to determine salaries based on market rates, internal equity, and individual performance. The company’s compensation strategy has received both praise and criticism, with some arguing that it is effective in attracting and retaining top talent while others questioning its fairness and long-term sustainability.

Literature Review:
Academic literature on compensation has highlighted several key issues relevant to Netflix’s approach. First, the use of stock options as a primary means of compensation can lead to short-termism, where employees prioritize immediate gains over long-term growth and sustainability. Second, the lack of formal performance reviews and fixed salary structures can create inequities and bias in the compensation process. Third, the emphasis

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Step-by-step explanation

on high salaries and stock options may not be effective in motivating employees beyond a certain threshold and may lead to a “crowding out” effect where intrinsic motivation is replaced by extrinsic rewards. Finally, some studies suggest that transparency and employee involvement in compensation decisions can improve employee satisfaction and performance.

Analysis:
Netflix’s compensation strategy appears to be aligned with its culture and goals, but there are several factors that may explain the correlations between stock options and job performance found in Exhibit 6. First, stock options may act as a signal of the company’s belief in the employee’s future potential, which in turn may motivate employees to perform better. Second, the use of stock options may attract risk-taking and entrepreneurial employees who are more likely to generate innovative ideas and contribute to the company’s growth. However, the reliance on stock options may also lead to short-termism and may not be effective in retaining employees who value job security and stability.

The broader applicability of Netflix’s compensation program depends on the company’s industry, culture, and goals. The use of high salaries, no bonuses, and stock options may be effective in attracting and retaining top talent in competitive and dynamic industries, but may not be suitable for industries that value stability and predictability. Moreover, the lack of formal performance reviews and fixed salary structures may work well in a culture of trust and transparency, but may lead to inequities and bias in organizations with different cultures.

Recommendations:
Based on the analysis, we suggest that Netflix consider the following changes to its compensation program. First, the company may consider diversifying its compensation mix by including more non-monetary rewards such as flexible work arrangements, training opportunities, and recognition programs. Second, the company may consider introducing formal performance reviews and salary structures to ensure fairness and consistency in compensation decisions. Finally, the company may consider involving employees in compensation decisions and increasing transparency around the compensation process to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.

Conclusion:
Netflix’s compensation strategy is unconventional but appears to be aligned with its culture and goals. However, there are several factors that may limit its effectiveness and fairness in the long term. By diversifying its compensation mix, introducing formal performance reviews and salary structures, and increasing transparency and employee involvement, Netflix may improve its compensation program and better align it with its culture of performance, innovation, and fairness.

Bibliography:

Collins, C. J., & Smith, K. G. (2006). Knowledge exchange and combination: The role of human resource practices in the performance of high-technology firms. Academy of Management Journal, 49(3),