Making an ESOP Work for You
A guide to communications, organizational culture,
and participation for companies with ESOPs

An Ownership Associates publication.
Last updated February, 2004.


This page contains the book's introduction and table of contents only.

Read the complete book online [310 KB, PDF format] or contact us to have a copy sent to you. To download the book to your computer, right-click on this link, then choose "Save Target As..."

This booklet is available in a version for companies considering an ESOP.


How do you get the maximum benefit from an ESOP?

With nearly three decades of data on ESOP companies, researchers have a clear answer: communications, organizational culture, participation and other "soft" issues can give ESOP companies a substantial competitive advantage.

Company leaders clearly have an obligation to ensure that the legal, financial and administrative functions of the ESOP run well, but they should not let those responsibilities crowd out the human side of employee ownership. The quality and consistency of the company’s ESOP message determine whether the work force reacts with enthusiasm, indifference, or cynicism.

This booklet highlights research on the psychology of ownership and its impact on the performance of ESOP companies. The booklet describes tools and effective ESOP strategies, as well as some common pitfalls. It also introduces Ownership Associates, a consulting firm exclusively dedicated to helping companies maximize the return on their investment in employee ownership.


Table of Contents

  • Research Highlights
    • ESOPs and Corporate Performance
    • Where Does Success Come From?
    • The Psychology of Ownership
  • Basic Strategies
    • The ESOP as a Retirement Benefit
    • The ESOP as a Performance Incentive
    • The ESOP as Part of the Work Experience
  • Common Pitfalls
  • Sample ESOP Activities
  • Ownership Associates Services
    • Professional Services and Ownership Tools
    • Web-Based Resources


Making an ESOP Work for You: CoverClick to get the complete booklet in PDF format.

To download the book to your computer [310 KB, PDF format], right-click here, then choose "Save Target As..."

Available as a no-fee service from Ownership Associates.

This booklet is available in a version for companies considering an ESOP.

Online Resources: Articles & Publications