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The Institute for Compensation Studies supports the creation of new knowledge, thought-provoking discussion of employer practices, and better informed public discourse through its applied and translational workplace-focused research that bridges between academics and practice.

 

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Employment Cost Index Commentary

The Employment Cost Index (ECI) reports changes in employers’ costs of compensation, wages, and benefits. ICS’ commentary on the ECI provides useful interpretation of this quarterly report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Read the current ECI Commentary to learn more

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A vehicle for interdisciplinary research on compensation, compensation design and compensation strategy, ICS strives to be the central repository for academic research on compensation worldwide. Interested researchers are encouraged to submit their papers for consideration.

Explore the ICS working paper series

Recent Publications in Compensation Studies

Research Fellows and ICS faculty and staff contribute to a wide array of publications exploring forms of pay and pay “mix”, equity, the role of organizational strategy, labor unions, public policy, and regulation, and the evolving form of paid work.

Explore Publications in Compensation Studies

Latest News and Events

See all posts to the ICS blog

U.S. Employment Cost Index, Q4 2023 Commentary

ICS Commentary on U.S. ECI report for the fourth quarter of 2023
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U.S. Employment Cost Index, Q4 2023 Commentary

C3, the Cornell Compensation Club, is live

The new C3 is where to learn about compensation and opportunities in the compensation field.
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C3, the Cornell Compensation Club, is live

Even with Elon, boards are responsible to shareholders

Yahoo! Finance
Recent decision reminds boards of their role representing shareholders, even with charismatic executive talent in the room
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Even with Elon, boards are responsible to shareholders

Professional Education

The Institute for Compensation Studies has partnered with eCornell to offer the Compensation Studies Certificate focused on Total Rewards to attract, motivate, and retain top talent.. This four-course certificate program provides confidence and skills to articulate key compensation factors within your organization, consider compensation needs, assess the effectiveness of what you have in place, and align those needs with your organizational strategy and goals.

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Discover our professional education programs

Student Engagement

The Institute for Compensation Studies offers students from across Cornell University an interdisciplinary research, classroom and internship community focused on probing and analyzing the full spectrum of issues and challenges surrounding rewards from and incentives to work. Learn more about our student opportunities and rising talent.

Find out more about our student engagement

Join us for our first C3: Cornell Compensation Club meeting

Join us at the first meeting of C3: the Cornell Compensation Club Tuesday, September 26th
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Join us for our first C3: Cornell Compensation Club meeting

Cornell Students: Interested in Compensation?

Our reception 8 May @ 4pm for Cornell students.
Logo image: ICS Club for Futures in Compensation
Cornell Students: Interested in Compensation?

ICS research student pens insights on pay dispersion

Junhyuk Oh MILR '20 conducted a literature review on how leadership can support a dispersed pay structure by sustaining positive outcomes.
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ICS research student pens insights on pay dispersion