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Existence of Optimal Mechanisms in Principal‐Agent Problems

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  • Ohad Kadan
  • Philip J. Reny
  • Jeroen M. Swinkels

Abstract

We provide general conditions under which principal‐agent problems with either one or multiple agents admit mechanisms that are optimal for the principal. Our results cover as special cases pure moral hazard and pure adverse selection. We allow multidimensional types, actions, and signals, as well as both financial and non‐financial rewards. Our results extend to situations in which there are ex ante or interim restrictions on the mechanism, and allow the principal to have decisions in addition to choosing the agent's contract. Beyond measurability, we require no a priori restrictions on the space of mechanisms. It is not unusual for randomization to be necessary for optimality and so it (should be and) is permitted. Randomization also plays an essential role in our proof. We also provide conditions under which some forms of randomization are unnecessary.

Suggested Citation

  • Ohad Kadan & Philip J. Reny & Jeroen M. Swinkels, 2017. "Existence of Optimal Mechanisms in Principal‐Agent Problems," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 85, pages 769-823, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:emetrp:v:85:y:2017:i::p:769-823
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    Cited by:

    1. Chang Koo Chi & Kyoung Jin Choi, 2022. "A Dual Approach To Agency Problems: Existence," Working papers 2022rwp-197, Yonsei University, Yonsei Economics Research Institute.
    2. Sandro Brusco & Fausto Panunzi, 2020. "Internal financing, managerial compensation and multiple tasks," Annals of Finance, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 501-527, December.
    3. Biancalani, Francesco & Gnecco, Giorgio & Riccaboni, Massimo, 2022. "Price-volume agreements: A one principal/two agents model," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 300(1), pages 296-309.
    4. Daniel Krv{s}ek & Dylan Possamai, 2023. "Randomisation with moral hazard: a path to existence of optimal contracts," Papers 2311.13278, arXiv.org.
    5. Jung, Jin Yong, 2022. "Effects of changes in preferences in moral hazard problems," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    6. Jessica Martin, 2021. "The Risk-Sharing Problem Under Limited Liability Constraints in a Single-Period Model," Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, Springer, vol. 189(3), pages 854-872, June.

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