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Targeting Managerial Control: Evidence from Franchising

Author

Listed:
  • Francine Lafontaine

    (University of Michigan)

  • Kathryn L. Shaw

    (Stanford University, NBER)

Abstract

Franchisors simultaneously operate outlets under two distinct incentive schemes: franchising and company ownership. Using an extensive panel dataset, we show that experienced franchisors maintain a stable level of corporate ownership over time. However, the targeted rate of company ownership varies considerably across firms. We show that franchisors with high brand name value, measured by major media expenditures and other proxies, have high rates of company ownership. We argue that franchisors with valuable brands have high rates of company ownership so they have incentives to exert more control and they can better protect their brands from franchisee free-riding.

Suggested Citation

  • Francine Lafontaine & Kathryn L. Shaw, 2005. "Targeting Managerial Control: Evidence from Franchising," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 36(1), pages 131-150, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:rje:randje:v:36:y:2005:1:p:131-150
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation; Networks Brand; Firm; Firms; Franchising;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation

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