However, there is another type of stock option, known as an incentive stock option, which is usually only offered to key employees and top-tier management.

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This figure includes base salary, bonus and long-term incentive plan payouts, and the value realized from stock option exercises and other benefits.

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For instance, companies are starting to offer stock-option schemes to managers, giving them an incentive to pursue shareholders' interests.

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It is looking at cash-based incentive schemes or phantom option plans, which tie the cash bonus to the stock's performance.

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