Microsoft introduces 'say on pay' - votes

Microsoft is one of the first companies to adopt say on pay provisions.
In september the software giant introduced a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation. This vote will take place every three years, starting this year on November 19, at the company's annual meeting.

"Given the interest in executive pay, we think it makes sense to encourage more dialogue with our shareholders on our compensation approach," said Brad Smith, Microsoft general counsel.
This initiative will be followed by many other American companies, as it is part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which the US-government introduced last year in order to maintain the financial crisis.
Although say on pay provisions might help fixing the economy, it may not solve the underlying problem of executive over-compensation.

Alexander
Financial Times