Abstract

Two kinds of models for a productive organization are presented. In the first, both production and rewards are based on the performance of individuals, which is perfectly observed. Their abilities are not observable. Despite this, theorems are proved giving strong grounds for the equality of wages and marginal products unless there is monopsony in the labor market. This latter case is also discussed. The second model, which focuses on the imperfect observation of performance, allows interesting deductions about optimal payment schedules and organizational structure.

Keywords

IncentiveEconomicsMicroeconomicsIndustrial organizationPublic economics

Related Publications

Publication Info

Year
1976
Type
article
Volume
7
Issue
1
Pages
105-105
Citations
875
Access
Closed

External Links

Social Impact

Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions

Citation Metrics

875
OpenAlex

Cite This

James A. Mirrlees (1976). The Optimal Structure of Incentives and Authority within an Organization. The Bell Journal of Economics , 7 (1) , 105-105. https://doi.org/10.2307/3003192

Identifiers

DOI
10.2307/3003192