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Price competition and managerial delegation under partial cooperation

Author

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  • Ohnishi, Kazuhiro

Abstract

This paper analyzes a three-stage Bertrand duopoly with partial cooperation and managerial delegation. In the first stage, each owner decides whether to hire a manager. In the second stage, owners who hire managers select their managers’ incentive parameters. In the third stage, managers—or owners if no delegation occurs—simultaneously and independently set the firms’ prices. The equilibrium is derived using backward induction under a subgame perfect equilibrium. As a result, the paper shows that managerial delegation does not increase payoffs for either firm. This finding contrasts sharply with the Cournot case, where delegation is profitable, and highlights that the strategic value of delegation depends critically on the mode of competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Ohnishi, Kazuhiro, 2026. "Price competition and managerial delegation under partial cooperation," MPRA Paper 129402, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:129402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets

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