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Contracting with Researchers

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Verbeck

    (University of Marburg)

  • Elisabeth Schulte

    (University of Marburg)

Abstract

We study a setting in which one or two agents conduct research on behalf of a principal. The agents’ success depends on effort and the choice of a research technology that is uncertain with respect to its quality. A single agent has no incentive to deviate from the principal’s preferred technology choice. In the multiagent-setting researchers pursue individual rather than overall success which yields a preference for the most promising technology. We show that a mechanism that deters this bias towards mainstream research always entails an efficiency loss if researchers are risk-averse. Our results suggest that there is too little diversity in delegated research.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Verbeck & Elisabeth Schulte, 2016. "Contracting with Researchers," MAGKS Papers on Economics 201620, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Department of Economics (Volkswirtschaftliche Abteilung).
    • Handle: RePEc:mar:magkse:201620
    as

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    File URL: http://www.uni-marburg.de/fb02/makro/forschung/magkspapers/paper_2016/20-2016_verbeck.pdf
    File Function: First 201620
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Moral hazard; Hidden action; Incentives in teams; Delegated research; Academic organization; Diversity in research;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • 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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