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Efficient Contracting and Fair Play in a Simple Principal-Agent Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Vital Anderhub
  • Simon Gaechter
  • Manfred Koenigstein

Abstract

We study behavior within a simple principal--agent experiment. Our design allows for a large class of linear contracts. Principals can offer any feasible combination of (negative) fixed wages and incentives in the form of return sharing. This great contractual flexibility allows us to study incentive compatibility simultaneously with issues of `fair sharing' and reciprocity, which were previously found to be important. We find a high degree of incentive-compatible behavior, but also `fair sharing' and reciprocity. In contrast to other incentive devices studied in the literature, the incentives are `reciprocity-compatible'. Principals recognize the agency problem and react accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Vital Anderhub & Simon Gaechter & Manfred Koenigstein, "undated". "Efficient Contracting and Fair Play in a Simple Principal-Agent Experiment," IEW - Working Papers 018, Institute for Empirical Research in Economics - University of Zurich.
    • Handle: RePEc:zur:iewwpx:018
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    JEL classification:

    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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