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A Dynamic Multitask Model: Fixed Wages, No Externalities, and Holdup Problems

Author

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  • Meg Adachi-Sato

    (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University)

  • Kazuya Kamiya

    (Faculty of Ecocnomics, the University of Tokyo)

Abstract

This article develops a multitask model in which the agent has to produce both verifiable and unverifiable outputs in a dynamic framework as observed in actual labor markets and practices. The model derives an important result regarding the timing and the length of a wage contract. A short-term wage contract allows for greater holdup, but it motivates the agent to engage in a task whose output is unverifiable. In contrast, a long-term wage contract does not allow for holdup and induces the first-best level effort for verifiable outputs, but it removes the incentive for unverifiable outputs. By studying an optimal wage profile and finding the optimal timing to sign a contract in a multitask framework, our model explains why individuals paid fixed wages have more frequent opportunities for wage negotiation compared with those paid through incentive pay. Furthermore, our model predicts that in industries where unverifiable outputs are valued, wage contracts are renewed more frequently.

Suggested Citation

  • Meg Adachi-Sato & Kazuya Kamiya, 2011. "A Dynamic Multitask Model: Fixed Wages, No Externalities, and Holdup Problems," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-825, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    • Handle: RePEc:tky:fseres:2011cf825
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    File URL: http://www.cirje.e.u-tokyo.ac.jp/research/dp/2011/2011cf825.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fudenberg, Drew & Holmstrom, Bengt & Milgrom, Paul, 1990. "Short-term contracts and long-term agency relationships," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 51(1), pages 1-31, June.
    2. George Baker, 2002. "Distortion and Risk in Optimal Incentive Contracts," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 37(4), pages 728-751.
    3. Nöldeke, Georg & Schmidt, Klaus M., 1995. "Option contracts and renegotiation," Munich Reprints in Economics 19329, University of Munich, Department of Economics.
    4. Bengt Holmström, 1999. "Managerial Incentive Problems: A Dynamic Perspective," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 66(1), pages 169-182.
    5. Kazuya Kamiya & Meg Adachi-Sato, 2013. "Multiperiod Contract Problems with VeriÖable and UnveriÖable Outputs," CIRJE F-Series CIRJE-F-896, CIRJE, Faculty of Economics, University of Tokyo.
    6. Itoh, Hideshi, 1992. "Cooperation in Hierarchical Organizations: An Incentive Perspective," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 8(2), pages 321-345, April.
    7. Jonathan Levin, 2002. "Multilateral Contracting and the Employment Relationship," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 117(3), pages 1075-1103.
    8. Moore, John & Repullo, Rafael, 1990. "Nash Implementation: A Full Characterization," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 58(5), pages 1083-1099, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Meg Adachi-Sato & Kazuya Kamiya, 2018. "Combinations of Different Length Contracts in a Multiperiod Model: Short, Medium and Long-term Contracts," Discussion Paper Series DP2018-05, Research Institute for Economics & Business Administration, Kobe University.

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