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Relational Contracts with Private Information on the Future Value of the Relationship: The Upside of Implicit Downsizing Costs

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  • Matthias Fahn
  • Nicolas Klein

Abstract

We analyze a relational contracting problem, in which the principal has private information about the future value of the relationship. In order to reduce bonus payments, the principal is tempted to claim that the value of the future relationship is lower than it actually is. To induce truth-telling, the optimal relational contract may introduce distortions after a bad report. For some levels of the discount factor, output is reduced by more than would be sequentially optimal. This distortion is attenuated over time even if prospects remain bad. Our model thus provides an alternative explanation for indirect short-run costs of downsizing.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Fahn & Nicolas Klein, 2017. "Relational Contracts with Private Information on the Future Value of the Relationship: The Upside of Implicit Downsizing Costs," CESifo Working Paper Series 6590, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_6590
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James M. Malcomson, 2016. "Relational Incentive Contracts With Persistent Private Information," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 84, pages 317-346, January.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Xie, Dongshui & Bai, Caiquan & Zhang, Yuwei, 2023. "Relation-based governance, financial crisis shock, and economic growth in China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    3. Joel Watson, 2021. "Theoretical Foundations of Relational Incentive Contracts," Annual Review of Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 13(1), pages 631-659, August.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law

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