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Existence of solutions to principal-agent problems with adverse selection under minimal assumptions

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  • Guillaume Carlier
  • Kelvin Shuangjian Zhang

Abstract

We prove an existence result for the principal-agent problem with adverse selection under general assumptions on preferences and allocation spaces. Instead of assuming that the allocation space is finite-dimensional or compact, we consider a more general coercivity condition which takes into account the principal's cost and the agents' preferences. Our existence proof is simple and flexible enough to adapt to partial participation models as well as to the case of type-dependent budget constraints.

Suggested Citation

  • Guillaume Carlier & Kelvin Shuangjian Zhang, 2019. "Existence of solutions to principal-agent problems with adverse selection under minimal assumptions," Papers 1902.06552, arXiv.org, revised Mar 2020.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:1902.06552
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean-Jacques Laffont & Jean Tirole, 1993. "A Theory of Incentives in Procurement and Regulation," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262121743, December.
    2. Carlier, Guillaume, 2001. "A general existence result for the principal-agent problem with adverse selection," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 129-150, February.
    3. Monteiro, Paulo K. & Page Jr., Frank H., 1998. "Optimal selling mechanisms for multiproduct monopolists: incentive compatibility in the presence of budget constraints," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(4), pages 473-502, November.
    4. Jean-Charles Rochet & Philippe Chone, 1998. "Ironing, Sweeping, and Multidimensional Screening," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 66(4), pages 783-826, July.
    5. Figalli, Alessio & Kim, Young-Heon & McCann, Robert J., 2011. "When is multidimensional screening a convex program?," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 146(2), pages 454-478, March.
    6. Che, Yeon-Koo & Gale, Ian, 2000. "The Optimal Mechanism for Selling to a Budget-Constrained Buyer," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 92(2), pages 198-233, June.
    7. Kelvin Shuangjian Zhang, 2019. "Existence in multidimensional screening with general nonlinear preferences," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 67(2), pages 463-485, March.
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