Often a salary structure has ranges—minimum, midpoint, and maximum. Frequently, a market position is drawn from the range midpoint. Another option becoming popular is broad banding. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. You may wish to look at the salary structure and occupational families presented in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Salary Table 2011-GS, referenced in the Resources. Notice how broad the bands are for individual jobs. Complete the following:

• Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of broad banding as a compensation plan.
• Conclude your essay by explaining your position on whether you think broad banding can be successfully competitive in your current or previous work environment, and provide supporting reasons for your position. How broad banding help with being successfully competitive might compared to alternative salary structure ranges that might be used?