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The principal-agent problem with smooth ambiguity

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  • Christian Kellner

    (University of Southampton)

Abstract

We study a principal-agent model in which the (effort-dependent) realisation of output levels is ambiguous, and the agent is ambiguity averse (while the principal is ambiguity neutral). We show that introducing ambiguity aversion will lower profits if the action that the principal wants to implement is the most ambiguous one, while they may increase otherwise. Regarding the design of the optimal contract, we show that under ambiguity aversion the optimal incentive scheme may not be monotone even if a natural generalization of the monotone likelihood ratio property is satisfied, and illustrate how this fact could affect the design of contracts in an applied economic context. We also find that the individual rationality constraint need not bind in the presence of ambiguity aversion unless preferences satisfy constant absolute ambiguity aversion.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Kellner, 2017. "The principal-agent problem with smooth ambiguity," Review of Economic Design, Springer;Society for Economic Design, vol. 21(2), pages 83-119, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reecde:v:21:y:2017:i:2:d:10.1007_s10058-017-0198-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10058-017-0198-4
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    Cited by:

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    3. Martina Sopta & Mihaela Mikić & Matej BotiÄ ki, 2017. "Impact of the agent theory on private and public companies based on the analysis of Croatian health care system," Notitia - journal for economic, business and social issues, Notitia Ltd., vol. 1(3), pages 103-124, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Moral hazard; Ambiguity aversion; Optimal contract;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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