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A Note on Strategic Delegation: The Role of Decreasing Returns to Scale

Author

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  • Aitor Ciarreta

    (Universidad del Pais Vasco)

Abstract

We build a model of optimal design of managerial incentive schemes when the production technology exhibits decreasing returns to scale and firms compete à la Cournot. We borrow Fershtman and Judd (1987) and Kräkel (2005) framework. We show how there is a dominant strategy for entrepreneurs to delegate output decisions. Results depend on the degree of diseconomies of scale. We demostrate how for a class of parameters, managers may increase profits through delegation, a result that with constant returns does not hold.

Suggested Citation

  • Aitor Ciarreta, 2009. "A Note on Strategic Delegation: The Role of Decreasing Returns to Scale," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 29(1), pages 277-285.
  • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-08l10038
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Luca Lambertini, 2000. "Strategic Delegation and the Shape of Market Competition," Scottish Journal of Political Economy, Scottish Economic Society, vol. 47(5), pages 550-570, November.
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    6. Jansen, Thijs & van Lier, Arie & van Witteloostuijn, Arjen, 2007. "A note on strategic delegation: The market share case," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 531-539, June.
    7. Vickers, John, 1985. "Delegation and the Theory of the Firm," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 95(380a), pages 138-147, Supplemen.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance

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