Writing in the Washington Times today, Dick Armey cautions his former colleagues against more legislation about executive compensation. Best paragraph:
There is a healthy dose of arrogance in the idea that another law could beat an entrepreneurial marketplace for determining how to evaluate compensation. Poor executive performance shows up quickly on the bottom line. Heaped on top is the misplaced notion that since Congress is engaged in politics and government all organizations should have the same objectives and structures. Governments exercise force and create rules. By contrast, firms create wealth and create the opportunity for people to exercise their freedom to choose, to contract, to buy and to sell.
Compensation of top-level executives is a matter to be resolved between the executives and the board of directors. Boards may not do a good job in some cases, but I don't see how greater government involvement will improve outcomes systematically.