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Dynamic agency and investment theory with time-inconsistent preferences

Author

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  • Liu, Bo
  • Mu, Congming
  • Yang, Jinqiang

Abstract

We incorporate managers’ time-inconsistent preferences into the DeMarzo et al. (2012) model of dynamic agency and the q theory of investment. Our model provides an alternative explanation for underinvestment from the perspective of managers’ time inconsistency. It also shows that firms prefer delaying a cash payout due to managers’ time-inconsistent preferences, and the corresponding distorted investment and payout decisions significantly decrease a firm’s average q and marginal q.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Bo & Mu, Congming & Yang, Jinqiang, 2017. "Dynamic agency and investment theory with time-inconsistent preferences," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 20(C), pages 88-95.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:20:y:2017:i:c:p:88-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2016.09.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Wang, Ying & Huang, Wenli & Liu, Bo & Zhang, Xiaohong, 2020. "Optimal effort in the principal-agent problem with time-inconsistent preferences," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    4. Bian, Yuxiang & Chen, Lin & Xiong, Xiong & Yang, Jinqiang, 2023. "Private equity valuation under time-inconsistent preferences," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    5. Wu, Ting & He, Linfeng & Zhang, Fan, 2021. "Endogenous discounting, investment and Tobin’s q," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 55(C).
    6. Li, Yanzhao & Guo, Ju-e & Li, Yongwu & Zhang, Jinggong, 2024. "Intensified distortion: Investment decisions with endogenous contracts and time inconsistency," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    7. Shigeta, Yuki, 2022. "Quasi-hyperbolic discounting under recursive utility and consumption–investment decisions," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    8. Bestari Dwi Handayani & Abdul Rohman & Anis Chariri & Imang Dapit Pamungkas, 2020. "Corporate Financial Performance on Corporate Governance Mechanism and Corporate Value - Evidence from Indonesia," Montenegrin Journal of Economics, Economic Laboratory for Transition Research (ELIT), vol. 16(3), pages 161-171.
    9. Hu, Fan & Zhang, Fan & Zou, Zhentao, 2020. "R&D investment under time-inconsistent preferences," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    10. Yingjie Niu & Zhentao Zou, 2019. "Corporate Investment, Tobin's Q and Liquidity Management under Time-Inconsistent Preferences," Annals of Economics and Finance, Society for AEF, vol. 20(2), pages 721-736, November.
    11. Niu, Yingjie & He, Linfeng & Wu, Wei, 2021. "Managerial compensation with hyperbolic discounting," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 38(C).
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    13. Camilo Hern'andez & Dylan Possamai, 2023. "Time-inconsistent contract theory," Papers 2303.01601, arXiv.org.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Principal-agency problem; q Theory; Under-investment; Time-inconsistent preferences; Cash payout;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D92 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Intertemporal Firm Choice, Investment, Capacity, and Financing
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G2 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services

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