This text provides knowledge of the art and science of compensation practice and its role in promoting companies’ competitive advantage. Strategic Compensation: A Component of Human Resource Systems; Contextual Influences on Compensation Practice; Traditional Bases for Pay: Seniority and Merit; Incentive Pay; Person-Focused Pay; Building Internally Consistent Compensation Systems; Building Market-Competitive Compensation Systems; Building Pay Structures That Recognize Employee Contributions; Discretionary Benefits; Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans and Health Insurance Programs; Legally Required Benefits; Compensating Executives; Compensating the Flexible Workforce: Contingent Employees and Flexible Work Schedules; Compensating Expatriates; Pay and Benefits Outside the United States For managers and HR professionals interested in understanding compensation practice and strategy.