One area of practice and experience at Becker & Bell, Inc. is that of classification and compensation. Although this part of our services has been significantly reduced, we still will provide such services to small and selective clients. We have completed many studies since 1978 and have current knowledge of a wide range of occupations, including clerical, technical, blue collar, administrative, professional, and safety. We are sensitive to the changing laws that provide special protection to particular groups and the impact that has on study products. We use our knowledge and expertise to propose recommendations that fulfill legal requirements and fit the values, management style and organizational intent of the client.

In the preparation of studies, Becker & Bell, Inc. relies on a constantly developing database of comparative classification and pay information. This comparative data allows us to understand our clients' organizational structure in a context of a broad overview. Also, our extensive experience in negotiations makes us sensitive to class and comp issues and their impact on employer-employee relations. At the bargaining table, we become acutely aware of what employees and line managers believe is fair and reasonable pay and what are proper internal relationships.

We use several approaches to study methodology. Determining which approach is appropriate depends on the financial resources of the organization, the level of sophistication required for the classes under study and the approach to maintenance of the classification plan.

One of the major goals in classification and compensation studies is to produce clear, concise, and understandable recommendations which the client can easily implement to solve problems. We believe management involvement in the process is essential. However, we gear our study to the degree of involvement and participation desired by the client.

We design our results to reflect management's philosophy, consistent with sound class/comp principles. Becker & Bell, Inc. studies produce documents which reduce ambiguity and avoid future problems and misunderstandings.