Course Description

The values people hold, those which drive employee performance and engagement in an organization, can vary dramatically from one person to the next and from one organization to another.  However, a few things are the same:  people do not typically work for free.  Employees won't stay at a job unless they believe they are being paid fairly and equitably, and the reasons individuals stay with an organization is most often not just about the money.  This course explores the many facets of employment compensation, including wage and benefits administration, building, enhancing, and maintaining a compensation structure. 

PURPOSE OF THIS COURSE:  Linking compensation strategies to individual and organizational performance involves far more than competitive wage rates. Compensation strategies and compensation systems directly connect organizations to the people they employ, while driving cultural and organizational objectives within the organization. Throughout this course, we will work to understand the complexity behind successful compensation systems and how to build them which is an integral link to driving organizational performance, culture, and success.  

The curriculum of V476 builds on the basic human resources concepts introduced in V373, a prerequisite to this course.  It will provide students with unique insight from both a public and private sector perspective, as well as a deeper understanding of critical issues and concepts associated with compensation and benefits administration.

Course Goal

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to construct basic elements of a compensation system by applying acquired knowledge and understanding of compensation strategy, systems, and the breadth of components relevant to successful (and unsuccessful) compensation administration and programs.

Course Objectives

• The following key concepts will be addressed in this course:

  • Compensation design and strategy
  • Critical challenges in compensation
  • Theories of public and not-for profit sector motivation
  • Total rewards systems
  • Direct compensation
  • Indirect compensation (discretionary and required)
  • Job-Based pay versus Person-Based Pay
  • Intrinsic and Extrinsic compensation
  • Internal and external pay equity
  • Merit pay and performance based systems
  • Performance evaluation / appraisal
  • Job analysis
  • Job evaluation methodology
  • Compensation in an international environment
  • Global compensation issues and challenges

  Students will gain unique insight that is public sector specific through current, real-life examples from a seasoned HR practitioner. The content is wholly relevant to private and not-for-profit sectors as well.

 Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain, analyze, and summarize varying and competing principles of compensation theory and the relationship of non-traditional compensatory tools to compensation strategy.
2. Identify and apply components of direct and indirect compensation consistent with compensation principles and organizational values.
3. Identify and apply components of intrinsic and extrinsic compensation in a manner consistent with compensation principles and organization values.
4. Understand and apply processes for establishing pay equity in an organization. Including:
   • Internal Pay Equity: Articulate the challenges posed by internal pay equity, understand mechanisms for determining internal pay equity, and applying processes strategically.
   • External Pay Equity: Make use of job evaluation, salary surveys, market analysis, and bench marking practices in order to establish external equity.
5. Compare, contrast, and evaluate different approaches to performance management systems and challenges. Articulate the link between performance management systems; actual performance; and organizational culture, values, and strategy.
6. Concepts related to compensation in an international environment. Identify challenges and differences related to global compensation strategy.

Course Requirements 

Required Text and Group Project

REQUIRED READING speaks to student learning outcomes.  Due dates and assignment schedules can be found in Modules.

The following textbook is REQUIRED for success in this course:

• The following is our REQUIRED textbook:                                   Title:  Compensation, 14th edition

Barry A. Gerhart, University of Wisconsin-Madison

New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill Education, 2023

ISBN:  9781264080908

As the field of Human Resources is dynamic, additional reading such as current events articles or case studies, and videos to watch may be assigned to provide additional value or insight into recent developments in compensation. 

As a student of this course, you are responsible for the completion of all assigned reading, including any materials sent out, posted in Canvas, and / or discussed in class (in person), via zoom or during class discussions in Canvas. Participation and active engagement are important components of this course. 

REQUIRED GROUP WORK:  Students will work together to build a compensation structure for a chosen organization.  This project requires the completion of four (4) group assignments which build upon one another over the course of the semester for one final end product.   Due dates and assignment schedules can be found in Canvas under Modules.

 Technical Requirements

You will need the following in order to participate in this course: 

• Computer or tablet with a simple camera to be able to participate via zoom; 
• Reliable internet connection;
• Computer Microphone;
• Some way to make and post a simple video (e.g., using a webcam, or a smartphone);
• Ability to submit written assignments via Microsoft WORD
• Access to Canvas using a supported web browser.

 Technical Support

For additional help with technical issues, consult:

• University Information Technology Services (UITS) (human support)
• IU Knowledge Base (IUKB):  https://servicenow.iu.edu/kb (guides)
• IUware (download free software)

 How We'll Learn

This course meets and learns in an in-person,  lecture format.  Attending class in person is required.  The semester is divided into “Weeks” listed under "Modules" in Canvas. Course material for each week can be found under each weekly module.  Be aware that student participation is an important component for engagement in this course.  Assignment due dates will be included on the assignments in Canvas, as well as in the Weekly Lecture and Assignment Schedule that is a part of the syllabus.

Each week will include:

1. Class lecture
2. Material for you to read, watch, and / or explore;
3. A practice activity and or discussion, and
4. A graded assignment to allow you to work with the concepts and resources (sometimes individually, sometimes together).

 Class Attendance, Participation, & Engagement

Attendance:  Attendance is expected at each class, recorded, and critical to your understanding of course material over which you will be tested. Your level of engagement and participation will directly impact grade.

Attendance will be taken during each class.  Each class is worth 3 points.  Points may be deducted for arriving late or leaving early from class. Each student is allowed two (2) absences without penalty, after which points will be lost for each absence. For those students who regularly contribute to class discussion, points may be added at the instructor’s discretion.

Frequent or excessive tardiness or leaving early is distracting and may lower your attendance / grade.  Further, any attempt to falsify attendance records by signing in for someone else or have someone sign in for you may result in academic misconduct and / or failure of the course.

Assignments, exams, or attendance points lost due to absence are NOT eligible to be made up.  Absences due to Illness may allow eligibility for making up missed assignments or exams, but will be considered on an individual case by case basis at the instructor’s discretion.

Class Participation and Engagement:   Just as active engagement and a high level of contribution is required to be successful in employment, so too is it required for this class.  The format of this class centers around class lectures, assigned reading, timely completion of work assigned, and active contribution to and engagement in class discussions, whether in person, via zoom, or on Canvas.  Students may be called on to contribute in class discussions.  Attendance, engagement, and participation are considerations in your final grade.

Use of Electronic Devices in Class

Because of the distraction it may create, cell phones, LAPTOPS / tablets and /or other electronic devices are NOT allowed in class unless you have expressed permission of the instructor. Notes can be taken by hand. Using electronic devices without permission (outside of group activities) may result in a significant or complete loss of participation points and may result in your being asked to leave the classroom. Permission is obtained through an in-person or a written request with a description of need. Permission may be revoked if misused and participation points reduced to zero at semester’s end.

Course Assessment & Grades

The following types of assessments will be used to determine if students have met the learning outcomes established. Due dates and assignment schedules can be found in Modules on Canvas.

Weekly Assignments:  Quizzes, Written Assignments, Case Studies, Canvas Discussions

Material covered in the text and other assigned reading or videos are an important component to learning.  As such, during most weeks of the semester, written assignments, case studies, and / or reading quizzes will be assigned.

Case studies apply principles learned via class sessions or through the reading and are an in-depth analysis or exploration of a particular event or situation within its real-life context.  Case studies will be assigned and discussed.  Grades will be based on completion and / or engagement in discussion.

Most assignments will be due by Sunday night of each week, unless otherwise noted in Canvas or by the instructor.  See weekly schedule of assignments in the Syllabus and / or 'Weekly Modules' in Canvas.

Late assignments most generally are not accepted.

Examinations

Three (3) examinations will be administered during the semester.  Exams will be administered in class or via Canvas and will cover material and concepts covered by the reading, assignments, and discussion. 

Generally, exams cannot be made up.  Only through extraordinary circumstances will an opportunity for a makeup exam be considered, on a case-by-case basis at the instructor’s discretion. A more rigorous grading standard or alternate test may be used (IE: a one-grade penalty may be assigned).

Guest Speakers

Other HR professionals may be invited to speak to the class.  Dates and subjects will be announced according to the speaker’s availability, with the schedule and syllabus to be revised accordingly.

Course Grading Policy

This course is determined by an accumulation of points.  The thresholds are set; exceptions will not be considered.   THERE WILL BE NO ROUNDING, regardless of how close one might be to the next grade level.  As such, understand that every point for attendance and participation / class engagement does matter and can make a difference. 

The grading scale is as follows:                   

 Written Assignment Specifications and Writing Assistance

Unless instructed otherwise, written assignments should be completed in standard 12-point font, Calibri, and one (1) inch margins should be used for any written assignment.  Weekly assignments are fine single spaced. CST assignments are more formal and should typically be double spaced.  Sources should always be cited when appropriate and APA format used. 

Assignment due dates can be found in the Syllabus and under Modules in Canvas.

Finally, writing assistance is available as needed through Writing Tutorial Services (WTS).  Writing Tutorial Services (WTS) offers students one-on-one help with any phase of the writing process—from brainstorming to revising the final draft. If you visit WTS, you'll find a tutor who is a sympathetic and helpful reader of your prose. 

How to schedule an appointment: 

Visit wts.indiana.edu or call (812) 855-6738

O'Neill Policies

Introduction

The O’Neill School takes matters of honesty and integrity seriously.  We expect O’Neill students will, at all times, maintain academic integrity and civil and professional standards of conduct.

Scope

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code applies to all courses and programs offered by O’Neill, and to all students who participate in O’Neill classes and programs, regardless of whether students are admitted to O’Neill. Students studying at O’Neill are expected to continue their commitment to ethical behavior in all their endeavors, including, but not limited to, coursework inside and outside of O’Neill, internships, community service, and overseas study.

O’Neill’s Student Honor Code incorporates IU’s Code of Student Right, Responsibilities, & Conduct and extends to matters of civility and professional conduct, including, expectations about class attendance, punctuality, participation in class, and decorum in class and at other school functions.

Academic Conduct Requirements

All students enrolled in O’Neill courses are subject to the academic misconduct provisions found in the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct.  

Academic misconduct is defined as any activity that tends to undermine the academic integrity of the institution.

The IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct lists and defines many types of academic misconduct, including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, interference, violation of course rules, and facilitating academic dishonesty.   

Academic misconduct includes the use of any technology or assistance, including AI, that is not permitted by the instructor.

Civility and Professional Conduct Requirements

O’Neill requires that all students treat others with mutual respect and behave professionally in the classroom and during all academic and non-academic activities.

These civility and professional conduct requirements foster an appropriate atmosphere inside and outside the classroom:

• Students must act in accordance with the O’Neill School mission and values.
• Students must regularly attend and be fully prepared for class, including completing readings.
• Students must not behave in a way that interrupts or distracts from teaching or learning. For example, students must be punctual in their arrival to class and be present and attentive for the duration of the class. They must not sleep, do work for another class, or wander in and out of the classroom, pack up, or leave class early (unless an emergency exists).
• Students must abide by the course policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom, including a requirement that no electronics are allowed or that students are not permitted to use devices for non-class related purposes.
• Students must responsibly participate in class activities and during team meetings for course assignments.
• Students must attend scheduled meetings with faculty or staff, events for which they have RSVPed, interviews with prospective employers, and student organization meetings.  
• Students must address faculty members, other students, and others appropriately and with respect, whether in person, in writing, or in electronic communications.
• Students must show tolerance and respect for others.
• Students must practice respect and responsible stewardship of the physical resources of the school, refraining from destroying or defacing school property, integrating practices of sustainability, and contributing to a clean and orderly physical environment in all buildings, classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.   
• Students must comply with the personal misconduct responsibilities within the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, & Conduct.

Reporting 

Students must abide by the O’Neill Student Honor Code themselves and hold their peers to the same standards. Students should report suspected instances of academic, civility, or professional misconduct to the instructor of the course. Students should report suspected instances of personal misconduct to the IU Office of Student Conduct.

Academic Integrity

Faculty of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs (O’NEILL SCHOOL) do not tolerate cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic misconduct. If you have not done so, you should read the IUB Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, which can be accessed at  https://studentcode.iu.edu/   so you will be sure to understand what these terms mean and what penalties can be issued for academic dishonesty. Academic misconduct can result in a grade of F for the class (an F for academic misconduct cannot be removed from the transcript). Significant violations of this code can result in expulsion from the University.

Intellectual Inquiry and Debate

In keeping with the University’s adoption of the Chicago Principles, this class will seek to cultivate an environment of free intellectual inquiry, debate, and constructive criticism. The instructor will guide discussions to advance the course's educational objectives, and students are encouraged to listen to one another and engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints, even when unpopular or controversial views are expressed. The mere expression of views, words, symbols, images, or thoughts that some people find offensive does not violate free speech norms if such expression arises for legitimate academic and/or pedagogical purposes. The class will also seek to cultivate an environment in which people can change their minds, and in which students who are uncertain or need time to formulate their thoughts can claim the space to do so.

Use of AI (such as ChatGPT) in This Class

Use of generative AI (such as ChatGPT) in this class.  Using AI to assist in completing assignments in this class is prohibited.  If you do use AI, you will be committing plagiarism* and will be subject to penalties in this class and sanctions by Indiana University.  You are permitted to use the free version of Grammarly and Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar tool. 

WARNING: Submitting any questions, assignments, notes, slides,  or other instructor-produced course materials into Generative AI without permission is a violation of the faculty member’s exclusive rights and will be reported to the Dean of Students as academic misconduct.

*Plagiarism: Plagiarism is defined as presenting someone else’s work, including the work of other students, as one’s own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged, unless the information is common knowledge. https://studentcode.iu.edu/responsibilities/academic-misconduct.html. (emphasis added)

Note Selling: Several commercial services have approached students regarding selling class notes/study guides to their classmates. Selling the instructor’s notes/study guides in this course is not permitted. Violations of this policy will be reported to the Dean of Students as academic misconduct (violation of course rules). Sanctions for academic misconduct may include a failing grade on the assignment for which the notes/study guides are being sold, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities. Additionally, you should know that selling a faculty member’s notes/study guides individually or on behalf of one of these services using IU email, or via Canvas may also constitute a violation of IU information technology and IU intellectual property policies; additional consequences may result.

Materials: Course Materials—Instructor’s Exclusive Rights.

The faculty member teaching this course holds the exclusive right to distribute, modify, post, and reproduce course materials, including all written materials, study guides, lectures, assignments, exercises, and exams. While you are permitted to take notes on the online materials and lectures posted for this course for your personal use, you are not permitted to re-post in another forum, upload to AI, distribute, reproduce content from this course, or sell the instructor’s course materials (including notes and study guides) without the express written permission of the faculty member.

Violations of this policy will be reported to the Dean of Students as academic misconduct (violation of course rules). Sanctions for academic misconduct may include a failing grade on the assignment for which the notes/study guides are being sold, a reduction in your final course grade, or a failing grade in the course, among other possibilities.

Additionally, you should know that selling a faculty member’s course using IU email, or via Canvas may also constitute a violation of IU information technology and IU intellectual property policies; additional consequences may result.

Communication between Faculty and Students

In order to verify the identity of all parties involved, effective September 1, 2004, all email communication from current O’NEILL SCHOOL students to O’NEILL SCHOOL staff must originate from an Indiana University email account. For email communication with O’NEILL SCHOOL faculty, current O’NEILL SCHOOL students should refer to course syllabi for instructors’ preferences (Canvas, Webmail, etc.). This policy applies to current students only.

Course Withdrawals

NOTE: After the auto-W deadline, withdrawal will be significantly limited, and you will need permission to withdraw and must meet requirements established by O’Neill.

Students who stop attending class without properly withdrawing from the class may receive a grade of F. It is important to withdraw from a course within specified timeframes (see chart below).  Poor performance in a course is not grounds for a late withdrawal.

No withdrawal forms will be processed in the Office of the Registrar after the last day of classes. Any requests for a late withdrawal after the last day of classes must go through the grade appeal process, but each student should remember that in accordance with campus policy, the O’NEILL SCHOOL does not permit a student to withdraw from a course if he/she has completed the course requirements. Grade replacement should be used in this case.

Requests to drop due to a failing grade will not be approved. The student must be passing the course at the time of withdrawal for approval.

To withdraw, students should first consult with their academic advisor as appropriate. 

Information about drop & add may be found at:  https://studentcentral.indiana.edu/register/dropping-adding/index.html

Information about withdrawing from a course may be found at:  https://studentcentral.indiana.edu/register/withdraw/index.html

Incompletes

A grade of incomplete (I) indicates that a ‘substantial portion’ of the work in a course has been “satisfactorily” but not entirely completed by the student as of the end of the semester. An “incomplete” may be given to a student facing a hardship such that it would be unjust to hold the student to the established time limits for completing the work.   These situations are unique and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To be eligible to receive a grade of incomplete or (I) in an O’NEILL SCHOOL course, the student’s work must be of passing quality. Poor performance in a course is not grounds for an incomplete. O’NEILL SCHOOL follows the campus guidelines in awarding incompletes which may be accessed at the Office of the Registrar’s website at: https://registrar.indiana.edu/grades/grade-values/grade-of-incomplete.html

Incompletes must be removed within a time period not to exceed one year after the semester in which the student was enrolled in the course. The incomplete will revert to an ‘F’ if the work is not completed within the allotted timeframe established by the instructor. A student who has received a grade of Incomplete (I) should not register for the course a second time but should arrange with the instructor to have the Incomplete (I) changed to a letter grade upon completion of all requirements.

Students Called to Active Duty

O’NEILL SCHOOL encourages any student who is in the Indiana Military Reserves and is called to active duty to finish his/her coursework if at all possible. Students who cannot complete their courses have the option of withdrawing with 100% fee refund, but this request must be made within one week of being called to active duty. Students who are called to active duty may qualify for an incomplete (provided that all the above criteria have been met). For further information, please see the Office of the Registrar’s website at: https://studentcentral.indiana.edu/register/withdraw/military.html

Final Exam Schedule

The final exam must be held on the day and time set in the final exam schedule set by Indiana University. If an instructor from another course has changed the final exam date, the student should first consult with the instructor. Students who have more than three final exams in one day or insufficient time to get from one exam to another should consult with their instructors to resolve these conflicts. Exams may not be given in the week before the final exam week. If a student is not able to resolve a final exam problem with the instructor, the student may report the problem to the Director of Undergraduate or Graduate programs. The final exam week schedule can be found at the Office of the Registrar’s website at: https://registrar.indiana.edu/grades/class-rosters/final-examinations.html