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A Theory of Delegated Contracting

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  • Gick, Wolfgang
Abstract
Delegated contracting describes a widely observable vertical contractual relationship where a top principal (program designer) hires an intermediary to offer a predesigned screening contract to a downstream agent who should produce a quantity depending on his true marginal cost type. The principal has no direct access to the downstream agent and utilizes budgeting in the sequence of contracts. This paper proposes a general theory of delegated contracting where information acquisition is limited to the (sub-)contract offer stage. To reach delegation proofness, the principal designs information rents accordingly. The solution concept follows the convexity of rent pro le. The paper shows that the optimal contract is fully separating over the subcontracting interval, leading to strictly decreasing output targets.

Suggested Citation

  • Gick, Wolfgang, 2015. "A Theory of Delegated Contracting," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113069, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc15:113069
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation

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