10 ways your Partner Compensation System undermines collaboration – and how to fix them

This white paper examines how partner compensation systems in professional services firms often undermine collaboration and outlines practical ways to fix them. Drawing on Dr. Heidi K. Gardner’s research and expertise on collaboration and Michael Roch’s expertise in partner remuneration design, this paper uncovers that while most firms claim to value collaboration, their reward systems continue to prioritize individual performance. This misalignment prevents partners from working together effectively, weakens client service and limits long-term firm growth.