Golden Parachute

Business, Legal & Accounting Glossary

Definition: Golden Parachute


Golden Parachute


Full Definition of Golden Parachute


A golden parachute is an employment agreement that guarantees a key executive of a company lucrative – even excessive – compensation in the event the firm is taken over. The benefits a golden parachute may provide include a huge, one-time cash bonus, stock options, and pension. More than a few people view a golden parachute as simply another way senior executives enrich themselves. But a golden parachute can actually serve several, sometimes conflicting, purposes. A golden parachute may attract and hold senior executives who might otherwise be reluctant to work for a possible takeover target. And because senior executives are compensated upon sale, a golden parachute may make them more willing to protect shareholder interests by selling the company. But a golden parachute can also discourage corporate takeovers: After adding in the costs of a golden parachute, a potential suitor may decide to drop a takeover bid. Recognizing the biases a golden parachute can engender, in 1984 Congress amended the IRS code to discourage golden parachute plans. But a golden parachute feature is still included in many executive contracts.


Cite Term


To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.

Page URL
https://payrollheaven.com/define/golden-parachute/
Modern Language Association (MLA):
Golden Parachute. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
May 18, 2024 https://payrollheaven.com/define/golden-parachute/.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):
Golden Parachute. PayrollHeaven.com. Payroll & Accounting Heaven Ltd.
https://payrollheaven.com/define/golden-parachute/ (accessed: May 18, 2024).
American Psychological Association (APA):
Golden Parachute. PayrollHeaven.com. Retrieved May 18, 2024
, from PayrollHeaven.com website: https://payrollheaven.com/define/golden-parachute/

Definition Sources


Definitions for Golden Parachute are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 9th February, 2020 | 0 Views.