Executive compensation consists of four main elements: salary, bonus, long-term incentives, and perquisites. Salary makes up 40-60% of compensation but is not very significant on its own. Bonuses are based on company or individual performance. Long-term incentives include stock options that increase in value as share prices rise. Perquisites provide benefits like cars, club memberships, and other special privileges. Companies design compensation packages to attract, retain, and motivate top executive talent through salaries and various performance-based incentives.