When stock isn't available

[Guest Lori Senter]

This may be more of a compensation question, but I'm interested in any ways partnerships have found to compete with corporations that can offer stock options to employees as well as having stock in their DC plans or stock purchase plans. What have they done to create a sense of ownership among non-partners and how have they replaced this in the total rewards (total compensation) equation?

[Guest bswift]

Lori, it is a compensation question, but its a good one. The issue is the same when you're thinking about ways to provide incentives for employees and executives in L.L.C.s. You really can be innovative, because these pass-through entities allow you to transfer interests in profits only or in capital interests as well. I have even had situations in which we gave someone an option to purchase an interest in an L.L.C. There are alot of ways to structure compensation type arrangements and it may depend on how many individuals are involved. It does get sort of complicated and the fewer you're dealing with the better. I hope that helps.