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The ratchet effect: A learning perspective

Author

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  • Bhaskar, V
  • Roketskiy, Nikita

Abstract

We examine the ratchet effect under moral hazard and symmetric learning by worker and firm about new technology. Shirking increases the worker's future payoffs, since the firm overestimates job difficulty. High-powered incentives to deter shirking induce the agent to over-work, since he can quit if the firm thinks the job is too easy. With continuous effort choices, no deterministic interior effort is implementable. We provide conditions under which randomized effort is implementable, so that a profit-maximizing distribution over efforts exists.

Suggested Citation

  • Bhaskar, V & Roketskiy, Nikita, 2023. "The ratchet effect: A learning perspective," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:214:y:2023:i:c:s0022053123001588
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2023.105762
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Ratchet effect; Moral hazard; Learning; Randomized effort;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law

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