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Supervisory efficiency and collusion in a multiple-agent hierarchy

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  • Che, Xiaogang
  • Huang, Yangguang
  • Zhang, Le

Abstract

We analyze a principal-supervisor-two-agent hierarchy with inefficient supervision. The supervisor may collect an incorrect signal on the agents' effort levels. When reporting to the principal, the supervisor may collude with one or both agents to manipulate the signal in exchange for a bribe. In the hierarchy, we identify a new trade-off between inefficient supervision and supervisor-agent collusion: Due to the incorrect supervisory signal, truthfully reporting the supervisory signal under collusion proofness may mistakenly punish the agents. As a result, allowing a certain type of collusion helps correct the incorrect signal and provides a higher incentive for the agents to work. We characterize the optimal no-supervision, collusion-proof, and collusive-supervision contracts, and show that the collusive-supervision contract dominates the others when supervisory efficiency is at an intermediate level.

Suggested Citation

  • Che, Xiaogang & Huang, Yangguang & Zhang, Le, 2021. "Supervisory efficiency and collusion in a multiple-agent hierarchy," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 425-442.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:gamebe:v:130:y:2021:i:c:p:425-442
    DOI: 10.1016/j.geb.2021.09.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Three-level hierarchy; Collusion; Supervisory efficiency; Multiple agents; Optimal contract;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • 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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