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Dynamically Sabotage-Proof Tournaments

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  • Junichiro Ishida

Abstract

This article explores the consequences of sabotage for the design of incentive contracts. The possibility of sabotage gives rise to a dynamic concern, similar to the Ratchet effect, which distorts the agents' incentives. We first show that the mere possibility of sabotage may make it impossible to implement the first-best effort, and we then offer two distinct incentive schemes, fast track and late selection, to circumvent this problem. The present model offers a mechanism through which these two schemes arise in a unified framework.

Suggested Citation

  • Junichiro Ishida, 2012. "Dynamically Sabotage-Proof Tournaments," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 30(3), pages 627-655.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jlabec:doi:10.1086/664945
    DOI: 10.1086/664945
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    Cited by:

    1. Subhasish Chowdhury & Oliver Gürtler, 2015. "Sabotage in contests: a survey," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 164(1), pages 135-155, July.
    2. Haoming Liu & Jingfeng Lu & Yohanes E. Riyanto & Zhe Wang, 2024. "Contests with multiplicative sabotage effect," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 97(3), pages 499-526, November.
    3. Gürtler, Oliver & Münster, Johannes, 2013. "Rational self-sabotage," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 65(1), pages 1-4.
    4. Gürtler, Oliver & Münster, Johannes, 2010. "Sabotage in dynamic tournaments," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 179-190, March.
    5. Junichiro Ishida, 2012. "Promotion without Commitment: Signaling, Time Inconsistency and Decentralization of the Firm," ISER Discussion Paper 0843, Institute of Social and Economic Research, Osaka University.
    6. Klunover, Doron, 2023. "Punishment for sabotage in dynamic tournaments," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).

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