Principal Agent Problem

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The Principal-Agent Problem can be defined as a dilemma or difficulty faced by a firm or an organisation (principal) in trying to motivate the workers or employees to work in the best interest of the business rather than in their own interest. Owners of business then try to derive various methods of motivating the agents such that both the agent and the principal benefit from them. Parkin (2010: 205) An example given for a principal-agent problem is when business executives spend money on top class travel, five star hotels and expensive restaurants when they are out on business trips. These executives will be acting in a way to pleasure and satisfy themselves rather than to work in the best interest of the customers or business owners. Stern (2012: 2) The Principal Agent Problem cannot be solved by issuing commands as often in most firms the agent has more knowledge on how the job is done rather than the principal. Most firms in today’s business employ people with specialised skills. Because of asymmetric information between the principal and agent, an agent can easily work in their own interests and slip away with it. Mohr (2011:199). Therefore the principal has to devise ways such that they are able to monitor worker performance and also that agent is motivated to do his or her job to the best of their ability a. There are three main ways that are used by most principals to address the agency problem namely giving ownership, incentives and long term contracts. Parkin (2010: 206). The principal can decide to give ownership or part ownership to the agent. This is also referred to “skin in the game”. Stern (2012). In this case, it is believed that an agent will work extra hard in the best interest of the firm as he or she will also benefit from the outcome. This ownership is usually given as ordinary shares or preference shares and this means the higher the profit,
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