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The simple analytics of information and experimentation in dynamic agency

Author

Listed:
  • Leonard J. Mirman

    (Department of Economics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA)

  • Thomas D. Jeitschko

    (Department of Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA)

  • Egas Salgueiro

    (S.A.G.E.I., Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-Aveiro, PORTUGAL)

Abstract

The dynamics of a stochastic, two-period principal-agent relationship is studied. The agent's type remains the same over time. Contracts are short term. The principal designs the second contract, taking the information available about the agent after the first period into account. Compared to deterministic environments significant changes emerge: First, fully separating contracts are optimal. Second, the principal has two opposing incentives when designing contracts: the principal `experiments,' making signals more informative; yet dampens signals, thereby reducing up-front payments. As a result, `good' agents' targets are ratcheted over time.

Suggested Citation

  • Leonard J. Mirman & Thomas D. Jeitschko & Egas Salgueiro, 2002. "The simple analytics of information and experimentation in dynamic agency," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 19(3), pages 549-570.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joecth:v:19:y:2002:i:3:p:549-570
    Note: Received: November 28, 2000; revised version: December 1, 2000
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Bhattacharjee, Swagata, 2022. "Dynamic contracting for innovation under ambiguity," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 534-552.
    3. Leonard J. Mirman & Thomas D. Jeitschko, 2002. "Information and experimentation in short-term contracting," Economic Theory, Springer;Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET), vol. 19(2), pages 311-331.
    4. Leonard J. Mirman & Thomas Jeitschko & Neelam Jain, 2001. "Financial Intermediation and Entry-Deterrence: A survey," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13.
    5. Jeitschko, Thomas D. & Withers, John A., 2019. "Dynamic regulation revisited: Signal dampening, experimentation and the ratchet effect," DICE Discussion Papers 318, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE).
    6. Swagata Bhattacharjee, 2019. "Dynamic Contracting for Innovation Under Ambiguity," Working Papers 1022, Ashoka University, Department of Economics, revised Aug 2019.
    7. Neelam Jain & Thomas D. Jeitschko & Leonard J. Mirman, 2003. "Entry Deterrence under Agency Constraints," International Journal of Business and Economics, School of Management Development, Feng Chia University, Taichung, Taiwan, vol. 2(3), pages 179-195, December.
    8. Neelam Jain & Leonard Mirman, 2011. "Lender learning and entry under general demand uncertainty," Review of Economic Design, Springer;Society for Economic Design, vol. 15(2), pages 163-175, June.
    9. Jain, Neelam, 2006. "Debt, managerial compensation and learning," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 377-399, February.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • L5 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy
    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement

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