Management compensation at architecture, engineering (A/E), and environmental consulting firms nationwide has experienced a drop in bonus payments recently because of the current economic conditions, according to a new report released by Natick-based consulting firm ZweigWhite.

"Graphing the moods, fortunes, and compensation of the manager class has been a vertigo inducing roller coaster," said Christine Brack, principal, ZweigWhite strategic advisory services. "Today’s increased competition and tighter operating budgets are challenging many in leadership positions in A/E firms to balance business, staff and personal needs."

While principals, financial directors and IT directors experienced big cuts in bonus payout this year, the median bonus for marketing directors and human resources directors declined to zero, according to a statement. Only project managers received a larger median bonus in 2010.

"Given the unprecedented downturn in the economy and uneven design climate, most economists predict moderate growth at best through 2011," said Brack. "Those firms that capitalize on the opportunities to balance the distribution of managerial compensation with reinvestment in their firms will emerge with the strongest and most competent teams when the recovery picks up steam."