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A Theory of Front-Line Management

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Bird
  • Alexander Frug

Abstract

Mid- and low-level managers play a significant role within the organizational hierarchy, far beyond monitoring. It is often their responsibility to respond to opportunities and threats within their units by adjusting their subordinates' assignments. Most such managers, however, lack the authority to adapt their subordinates' wages. In- stead, they rely on other, more restrictive incentive schemes. We study the interaction between a front-line manager and worker, and characterize the "managerial style" as a function of the players' relative patience and information.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Bird & Alexander Frug, 2025. "A Theory of Front-Line Management," Working Papers 1537, Barcelona School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bge:wpaper:1537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hart, Oliver, 1995. "Firms, Contracts, and Financial Structure," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198288817.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law

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