AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2....

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Managerial Economics & Business Strategy 8th edition by Michael R. Baye, Jeffrey T. Prince Test Bank Link full download: https://findtestbanks.com/download/managerial-economics-and-business- strategy-8th-edition-by-baye-and-prince-test-bank/ Chapter 06. The Organization of the Firm Answer Key Multiple Choice Questions 1. Often owners of firms who hire managers must install incentive or bonus plans to ensure that the: A. company is financially secure. B. manager will work hard. C. manager will maintain employee morale. D. company will have positive economic profits. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans for salesmen B. Flat salary for a plant manager C. Bonuses for managers that increase as profits increase D. None of the statements is correct. AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 3. Which of the following is NOT an incentive scheme to ensure that workers do a good job? A. Paying waitresses low wages, but allowing them to collect tips

Transcript of AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2....

Page 1: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Managerial Economics & Business Strategy 8th edition by Michael R. Baye, Jeffrey T. Prince Test Bank

Link full download: https://findtestbanks.com/download/managerial-economics-and-business-strategy-8th-edition-by-baye-and-prince-test-bank/

Chapter 06. The Organization of the Firm Answer Key Multiple Choice Questions

1.

Often owners of firms who hire managers must install incentive or bonus plans to ensure that the:

A. company is financially secure.

B. manager will work hard.

C. manager will maintain employee morale.

D. company will have positive economic profits.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

2.

Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan?

A. Commission plans for salesmen

B. Flat salary for a plant manager

C. Bonuses for managers that increase as profits increase

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

3.

Which of the following is NOT an incentive scheme to ensure that workers do a good job?

A. Paying waitresses low wages, but allowing them to collect tips

Page 2: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. Profit-sharing plans in large companies

C. Commission pay schedules for salesmen

D. Straight hourly wages for dock workers

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

4.

Which of the following is NOT a means of avoiding opportunism?

A. Contracts

B. Spot exchange

C. Vertical integration

D. Long-term contracts

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

5.

Long-term contracts become longer:

A. when specialized investment becomes more important.

B. when the exchange environment is more complex.

C. when spot markets work well.

D. when marginal costs are declining.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs.

Page 3: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

6.

A relationship-specific exchange occurs when:

A. a partnership is dissolved.

B. specialized investments are important.

C. a partnership is initiated.

D. shareholders receive dividends.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

7.

When relationship-specific exchange occurs in complex contractual environments, the best way to purchase inputs is through:

A. spot markets.

B. vertical integration.

C. short-term agency agreements.

D. long-term contracts.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

8.

A firm might choose to produce its own inputs if:

A. specialized investment is not important.

B. long-term contracts are costly to write.

C. the exchange environment is not complex.

Page 4: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. spot markets for the input exist.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

9.

An agent hired by the owner of productive resources to control the production process is:

A. a laborer.

B. a self-proprietor.

C. an assembly worker.

D. a firm manager.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

10.

Spot exchange can be inefficient in the presence of:

A. opportunism.

B. a complex contracting environment.

C. spot checks.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

11. A negative side of long-term contracts is:

Page 5: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

A. high transaction costs.

B. a loss of flexibility.

C. the continual need to renegotiate the contract.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

12.

Spot markets are an efficient way for the firm to purchase inputs if:

A. opportunism is not a problem.

B. suppliers engage in hold-up.

C. profit sharing is used to compensate managers.

D. the supplier needs specialized investment to produce the input.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

13.

The disadvantage of vertical integration is that:

A. relationship-specific exchange may cause hold-up.

B. long-term contracts may be inflexible.

C. the principal-agent problem causes shirking.

D. firms no longer specialize in what they do best.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand

Page 6: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

14.

In the absence of worker incentives:

A. everyone always gives maximum effort.

B. there is a natural tendency for workers to not give their maximum effort.

C. managers have little or no control.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

15.

A person who monitors the production process and evaluates the productivity of workers is:

A. a manager.

B. an employee.

C. a shareholder.

D. a self-proprietor.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

16.

A drawback of separating ownership from control by creating a firm is:

A. the losses of specialization.

B. increased transaction costs.

Page 7: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. the principal-agent problem.

D. synergies of team production.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

17.

Shirking can take the form of:

A. long lunch hours.

B. sleeping at work.

C. leaving work early.

D. All of the statements associated with this question are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

18.

Which of the following payment plans does NOT give an incentive to a manager to stop shirking?

A. Flat salary with additional pay based on profits of the firm

B. Pay schedule based solely on profits earned by the firm

C. Flat salary regardless of firm profits

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers.

Page 8: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

19.

The most likely effect of reducing performance-based rewards for the CEOs of corporations would be:

A. an increase in profits.

B. a drop in revenues.

C. a drop in profits.

D. an increase in the value of the corporation.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

20.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 512,000 + 217π + 10.08S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $200, and S = sales (in millions) = $400. How much will this CEO be compensated?

A. $812,431

B. $43,400

C. $559,432

D. $512,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

21.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 512,000 + 217π + 10.08S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $200, and S = sales (in millions) = $400. What percentage of the CEO’s total earnings are tied to profits of the firm?

A. 8.2 percent

B. 10.9 percent

Page 9: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. 7.8 percent

D. 5.1 percent

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

22.

An incentive for managers to maximize profits is:

A. reputation.

B. performance bonuses.

C. takeovers.

D. All of the statements associated with this question are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

23.

A manager who tries to enhance worker effort by tying workers’ compensation to the profitability of the firm is using:

A. spot checks.

B. revenue sharing.

C. profit sharing.

D. piece rates.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace.

Page 10: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

24.

A payment plan that induces better worker effort by linking compensation to revenues of the firm is known as:

A. revenue sharing.

B. profit sharing.

C. piece rate sharing.

D. spot checking.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

25.

An example of a job that usually involves a revenue-sharing plan would be:

A. waiters and waitresses.

B. car salesman.

C. insurance agents.

D. All of the statements associated with this question are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

26.

A negative side of a revenue-sharing plan is that it:

A. does not induce hard or better work.

B. can be costly if revenues are low.

C. gives no incentive for workers to minimize costs.

Page 11: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. can be difficult to manage from an accounting standpoint.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

27.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a piece-rate compensation method?

A. Paying typists a fixed amount per page

B. Paying sewing machine operators a flat amount per shirt sewn

C. Paying a carpenter to install a new back porch

D. Paying an assembly line worker per bolt put into car bodies

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

28.

A potential problem with piece-rate plans is that:

A. workers will produce a large quantity.

B. workers have no incentive to work hard.

C. it is difficult for managers to control.

D. workers may stress quantity instead of quality.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

Page 12: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

29.

When a manager enters the workplace from time to time to monitor workers, he is using:

A. a profit-sharing plan.

B. spot checks.

C. a revenue-sharing plan.

D. a piece-rate payment plan.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

30.

In order for spot checks to be effective, they must be:

A. random in nature.

B. performed at regular intervals.

C. partaken twice daily.

D. rarely if ever done.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

31.

Which type of compensation mechanism works by threats?

A. Piece rate

B. Spot check

C. Revenue sharing

D. Profit sharing

Page 13: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

32.

Which type of compensation method works by performance bonus?

A. Profit sharing

B. Revenue sharing

C. Piece rate

D. All of the statements associated with this question are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

33.

The most commonly used negative incentive used by firms is:

A. temporary layoffs.

B. dismissal.

C. unpaid suspensions.

D. verbal reprimands.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

34. The LEAST risky payment plan from the viewpoint of the worker is:

Page 14: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

A. piece rate.

B. profit sharing.

C. revenue sharing.

D. hourly wage.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

35.

To ensure quality, piece-rate plans must usually be accompanied by:

A. quality control mechanisms.

B. time clocks.

C. spot checks.

D. profit-sharing plans.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

36.

Transaction costs refer to:

A. fixed costs of capital.

B. variable costs of labor.

C. costs of exchange unrelated to production costs.

D. economies of scale.

Page 15: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

37.

Spot checks:

A. measure presence only.

B. monitor the effort of workers precisely.

C. are the same as spot markets.

D. must be frequent enough to induce workers not to risk getting caught shirking.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

38.

Spot checks work because of:

A. the promise of a reward.

B. a promise of performance-based pay.

C. a potential penalty for shirking.

D. monitoring on a regular basis.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

39. An increase in the likelihood of a dismissal:

A. raises productivity at an increasing rate.

Page 16: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. raises productivity at a decreasing rate.

C. decreases productivity at a decreasing rate.

D. decreases productivity at an increasing rate.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

40.

High transaction costs:

A. occur when specialized investment is not important.

B. make spot exchange an efficient way to obtain inputs.

C. may be a result of buyer opportunism.

D. may be the result of downward-sloping demand.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

41.

Long-term contracts are NOT efficient if:

A. a firm engages in relationship-specific exchange.

B. specialized investments are unimportant.

C. the contractual environment is simple.

D. managers shirk.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand

Page 17: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

42.

Which of the following occurs as firm size grows?

A. A decrease in the number of managers needed.

B. A decrease in transaction costs.

C. A loss of opportunity cost.

D. Administrative and bureaucratic costs rise at an increasing rate.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

43.

If a manager wishes to produce a large level of output, which compensation mechanism is most effective?

A. Spot check

B. Piece rate

C. Revenue sharing

D. Profit sharing

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

44.

Which of the following mergers is an example of vertical integration?

A. Bethlehem Steel purchases U.S. Steel.

Page 18: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. IBM purchases a California computer chip company.

C. AT&T purchases MCI.

D. GM purchases Ford.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

45.

If a firm manager has a base salary of $50,000 and also gets 2 percent of all profits, how much will his/her income be if revenues are $8,000,000 and profits are $2,000,000?

A. $250,000

B. $210,000

C. $90,000

D. $150,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

46.

If a firm manager has a base salary of $100,000 and also receives 5 percent of all profits, what percentage of his/her final income will be from a profit-sharing plan when profit equals $1,500,000?

A. 51 percent

B. 27 percent

C. 43 percent

D. 48 percent

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply

Page 19: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

47.

The principal’s goals are NOT in line with the goals of:

A. any other principal.

B. the agents.

C. the firms.

D. the consumers.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

48.

The agent is an individual:

A. who acts independently of the principal.

B. who can direct the principal to achieve goals.

C. hired by the principal to achieve goals.

D. hired by the principal to consult with him.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

49.

The principal-agent problem refers to the fact that the agent’s goals:

A. do not always coincide with those of the principal.

B. coincide with those of the principal.

Page 20: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. do not overlap with those of the principal.

D. overlap with those of the principal.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

50.

Principal-agent problems do NOT arise between:

A. stockholders and managers.

B. managers and workers.

C. stockholders and workers.

D. workers and consumers.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

51.

Solving the principal-agent problem ensures that the firm is operating:

A. on the production function.

B. above the production function.

C. below the production function.

D. above the isoquant curve.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers.

Page 21: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

52.

Which of the following methods might be an efficient way of obtaining inputs when specialized investments are not important?

A. Spot exchange

B. Vertical integration

C. Profit-sharing

D. Long-term contracts

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

53.

Specialized investments:

A. result in relationship-specific exchange.

B. make spot exchange efficient.

C. cause managers to shirk.

D. are equally valuable in any productive use.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

54.

Vertical integration:

A. occurs when a firm purchases its inputs in a market.

B. is attractive when relationship-specific exchange is unimportant.

C. occurs when a firm produces its own inputs.

Page 22: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. is a spot exchange phenomenon.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

55.

If a manager is not the owner, the manager:

A. receives the full benefit of good decisions.

B. bears the full cost of bad decisions.

C. does not receive the full benefit nor the full cost of his or her decisions.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

56.

When the owner runs the business:

A. he does not bear the full cost of a bad decision.

B. there is not a principal-agent problem.

C. he does not receive the full benefit nor the full cost of any decision.

D. he has only limited liability for the actions of the business.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

Page 23: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

57.

A long-term contract:

A. occurs when a firm produces its own inputs.

B. is most likely in complex exchange environments.

C. exists when a firm is legally bound to purchase inputs from a particular supplier.

D. is shorter when specialized investments are important.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

58.

A spot exchange involves a market where goods are bought and sold at a:

A. contracted market price.

B. prevailing market price.

C. predetermined market price.

D. post-determined market price.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

59.

A firm chooses the institution to purchase inputs:

A. which minimizes the transactions costs of obtaining inputs.

B. in order to create more divisions.

C. which minimizes worker shirking.

D. to implement profit sharing.

Page 24: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

60.

Hold-up:

A. is a hazard associated with relationship-specific exchange.

B. mitigates worker shirking.

C. makes spot exchange efficient.

D. solves the principal-agent problem.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

61.

A firm manager is an agent hired by the:

A. owner to control the production process.

B. workers to control the production process.

C. workers to consult with the owner.

D. owner to oversee the workers.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

62. The principal-agent problem happens because the owner cannot:

Page 25: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

A. control the production process.

B. spend time at the physical plant site.

C. monitor the efforts of the manager.

D. evaluate the efforts of the manager.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

63.

Spot exchange typically involves:

A. no transaction costs.

B. some transaction costs.

C. extremely high transaction costs.

D. long-term contracts.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

64.

Long-term contracts:

A. increase transaction costs and increase opportunism.

B. increase transaction costs.

C. can reduce opportunistic behavior.

D. reduce transaction costs and increase flexibility.

Page 26: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

65.

The problem with spot exchange in the presence of specific assets is that both parties:

A. have incentives to behave as principals.

B. have incentives to behave opportunistically.

C. take the risk of price fluctuations.

D. do not take advantage of the economies of scope.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

66.

Relationship-specific investments include:

A. site specificity.

B. dedicated assets.

C. human capital.

D. All of the statements associated with this question are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

67. One way of alleviating opportunism is:

A. spot exchange.

Page 27: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. dedicated assets.

C. vertical integration.

D. contracts in complex contracting environments.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

68.

The specificity of the asset (or investment) leads to the possibility of:

A. collusion.

B. prisoner’s dilemma.

C. opportunism.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

69.

Which of the following institutions may result in hold-up?

A. Vertical integration

B. Piece rates

C. Long-term contracts

D. Spot markets

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand

Page 28: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

70.

Relationship-specific exchange:

A. is a consequence of profit sharing.

B. makes firms use spot markets.

C. occurs because of specialized investments.

D. reduces worker shirking.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

71.

Long-term contracts are LESS likely when:

A. specialized investments are important.

B. hold-up is likely.

C. the exchange environment is complex.

D. workers are paid based on piece rates.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

72.

Under a profit-sharing compensation scheme, the manager will:

A. shirk all day.

B. not shirk all day.

Page 29: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. optimize his choice between income and leisure.

D. do the same thing as under a fixed salary scheme.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

73.

By making managerial compensation depend on the performance of the firm’s profits, the firm owner’s profits:

A. rise.

B. fall.

C. remain constant.

D. initially fall, then rise.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

74.

Given that the income of franchise restaurant managers is directly tied to profits and the income of the manager of the company-owned restaurant is paid a flat fee, we might expect profits to be:

A. higher in company-owned restaurants.

B. lower in company-owned restaurants.

C. equal in both types of restaurants.

D. None of the statements are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers.

Page 30: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

75.

Franchising mitigates:

A. opportunism.

B. relationship-specific investment.

C. the hold-up problem.

D. the principal-agent problem.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

76.

It would be undesirable to reduce the executive’s compensation if her earnings are due largely to:

A. a flat fee.

B. performance.

C. the owner’s demand.

D. the employee’s demand.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

77.

If we reduce performance-based rewards to CEOs, the profits of firms will:

A. rise.

B. fall.

C. remain constant.

Page 31: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

78.

Which of the following is an outside incentive that forces managers to put forth maximal effort?

A. Incentive contracts

B. Performance bonuses

C. Flat fees

D. Reputation

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

79.

The cost to a manager of doing a poor job running the firm is:

A. a decrease in his fixed salary.

B. a decrease in the profit of the firm.

C. a decrease in the sales of the firm.

D. an increase in the likelihood of being replaced.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

80. Which of the following is NOT a solution to the manager-worker principal-agent problem?

Page 32: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

A. Sales sharing

B. Piece rates

C. Fixed hourly wages

D. Spot checks

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

81.

A profit-sharing pay scheme:

A. increases both productivity and profits.

B. decreases productivity but increases profits.

C. increases productivity but decreases profits.

D. decreases both productivity and profits.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

82.

One problem with revenue-based incentive schemes is they do NOT provide an incentive to:

A. maximize profit.

B. maximize sales.

C. minimize costs.

D. maximize productivity.

Page 33: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

83.

A potential problem with paying workers based on a piece rate is that:

A. effort cannot be expended engaging in quality control.

B. effort should not be expended engaging in quality control.

C. workers will attempt to produce quality at the expense of quantity.

D. workers will attempt to produce quantity at the expense of quality.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

84.

Which of the following is NOT a benefit associated with producing inputs within a firm?

A. reduction in transaction costs.

B. gains of specializing.

C. reductions in opportunism.

D. mitigation of hold-up problem.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

85.

In order for spot checks to work:

A. employees must be monitored continually.

Page 34: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. the time of the checks must not be predictable.

C. Both employees must be monitored continually and the time of the checks must not be

predictable are correct.

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

86.

Which of the following involves the most risk from the point of view of the employee?

A. Piece rate

B. Profit sharing

C. Hourly wage

D. Annual salary

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

87.

Long-term contracts are generally preferable to:

A. spot markets.

B. short-term contracts.

C. vertical integration.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember

Page 35: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

88.

Which of the following is the primary disadvantage of producing inputs within a firm?

A. Increases in transaction costs

B. Loss of specialization

C. Reductions in opportunism

D. Mitigation of hold-up problems

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

89.

Which of the following involves the LEAST risk from the point of view of the employee?

A. Piece rate

B. Profit sharing

C. Revenue sharing

D. Annual salary

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

90.

Spot markets are generally preferable to:

A. long-term contracts.

B. short-term contracts.

Page 36: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. vertical integration.

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

91.

Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan?

A. Commission plans for salespeople

B. Paying waitresses low wages, but allowing them to collect tips

C. Bonuses for managers that increase with profits

D. Straight hourly wages for construction workers

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

92.

A positive side of long-term contracts is:

A. low transaction costs.

B. a loss of flexibility.

C. the continual need to renegotiate the contract.

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

Page 37: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

93.

Spot markets are an INEFFICIENT way for the firm to purchase inputs if:

A. opportunism is a problem.

B. suppliers engage in hold-up.

C. profit sharing is used to compensate managers.

D. opportunism is a problem and suppliers engage in hold-up.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

94.

The activity known as shirking is LEAST likely to occur when:

A. workers are not monitored.

B. the earnings of a worker are closely tied to the worker’s output.

C. all workers are paid the same wage rate.

D. firm ownership is separated from the managerial control.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

95.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 450,000 + 220 π + 15S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $300, and S = sales (in millions) = $500. What percentage of the CEO’s total earnings is tied to profits of the firm?

A. 6.0 percent

B. 7.9 percent

C. 12.6 percent

D. 43.4 percent

Page 38: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

96.

Revenue sharing tries to induce worker effort by linking:

A. worker compensation to profits.

B. worker compensation to revenues.

C. worker output to profits.

D. worker output to revenues.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

97.

A potential problem with piece-rate plans is that:

A. workers will have a tendency to under-produce the good.

B. workers have no incentive to work hard.

C. workers may put little emphasis on the quality of the good.

D. it is difficult for managers to enforce.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

98. Which type of compensation method does NOT involve a performance bonus?

A. Profit sharing

Page 39: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. Revenue sharing

C. Piece rate

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

99.

Which of the following is NOT a transaction cost associated with using inputs?

A. Time spent negotiating labor contracts with union workers

B. Opportunity costs of negotiating the price of renting machines

C. Wages paid to labor

D. Costs of searching for a new supplier of machines

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

100.

As firms increase in size, they tend to experience a:

A. decrease in the need for managers.

B. decrease in transaction costs.

C. loss of opportunity cost.

D. None of the answers are correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand

Page 40: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

101.

Suppose a firm manager has a base salary of $75,000 and earns 1.5 percent of all profits. Determine the manager’s income, if revenues are $10,000,000 and profits are $5,000,000.

A. $75,000

B. $150,000

C. $225,000

D. $300,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

102.

Given that the income for a franchise restaurant manager is directly tied to profits, while the income for the manager of a company-owned restaurant is paid a flat fee, we might expect profits to be:

A. lower in franchise restaurants.

B. higher in franchise restaurants.

C. equal in both types of restaurants.

D. Profit comparisons cannot be made based on the given information.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

103. Generally, revenue-based incentive schemes:

A. reduce incentives to produce low-quality products.

Page 41: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. increase incentives to minimize costs.

C. reduce worker productivity.

D. reduce incentives to produce low-quality products and increase incentives to minimize

costs.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

104.

Which of the following is an outside incentive that forces managers to put forth maximal effort?

A. Revenue-sharing contracts

B. Performance bonuses

C. Threat of takeovers

D. Flat fees

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

105.

Point A in the figure below is:

A. efficient since it produces 20 units of output at the lowest possible cost.

B. efficient since it produces 10 units of output at the lowest possible cost.

C. inefficient since it produces 20 units of output at a cost greater than the minimum cost.

D. inefficient since it produces 10 units of output at a cost greater than the minimum cost.

Page 42: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

106.

Point B in the figure below is:

A. efficient since it produces 20 units of output at the lowest possible cost.

B. efficient since it produces 10 units of output at the lowest possible cost.

C. inefficient since it produces 20 units of output at a cost greater than the minimum cost.

D. inefficient since it produces 10 units of output at a cost greater than the minimum cost.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

107.

Refer to the figure below. Suppose that the marginal benefit of writing a contract is $100 and the marginal cost of that contract is $50. Based on this information, the optimal contract length should:

A. be increased.

B. be decreased by half.

C. be decreased by two-thirds.

D. be held constant at the contract length where MB = 100 and MC = 50.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

108.

Refer to the figure below. Suppose that the marginal benefit of writing a contract is $100 and the marginal cost of that contract is $150. Based on this information, the optimal contract length should be:

A. increased by half.

Page 43: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. increased by two-thirds.

C. decreased.

D. held constant at the contract length where MB = 100 and MC = 150.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

109.

Refer to the figure below. Suppose that the marginal benefit of writing a contract is $100 and the marginal cost of that contract is $100. Based on this information, the optimal contract length should be:

A. increased by half.

B. increased by two-thirds.

C. decreased.

D. held constant at the contract length where MB = 100 and MC = 100.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

110.

Suppose a new contracting environment that requires greater specialized investments is considered. This new contract will result in:

A. an increase in the marginal benefit and a longer optimal contract.

B. an increase in the marginal benefit and a shorter optimal contract.

C. a decrease in the marginal benefit and a longer optimal contract.

D. a decrease in the marginal benefit and a shorter optimal contract.

Page 44: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

111.

Suppose a new contracting environment that requires less specialized investments is considered. This new contract will result in:

A. an increase in the marginal benefit and a longer optimal contract.

B. an increase in the marginal benefit and a shorter optimal contract.

C. a decrease in the marginal benefit and a longer optimal contract.

D. a decrease in the marginal benefit and a shorter optimal contract.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

112.

Suppose a new contracting environment that requires clearing fewer legal hurdles is considered. This new contract will result in:

A. an increase in the marginal cost and a longer optimal contract.

B. an increase in the marginal cost and a shorter optimal contract.

C. a decrease in the marginal cost and a longer optimal contract.

D. a decrease in the marginal cost and a shorter optimal contract.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

113.

Suppose a new contracting environment with an economic environment that looks more uncertain is considered. This new contract will result in:

A. an increase in the marginal cost and a longer optimal contract.

Page 45: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. an increase in the marginal cost and a shorter optimal contract.

C. a decrease in the marginal cost and a longer optimal contract.

D. a decrease in the marginal cost and a shorter optimal contract.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

114.

The presence of substantial specialized investment relative to contracting costs suggests that the optimal input procurement method is:

A. spot exchange.

B. vertical integration.

C. contract.

D. vertical integration or contract.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

115.

The presence of minimal specialized investments relative to contracting costs suggests that the optimal input procurement method is:

A. spot exchange.

B. vertical integration.

C. contract.

D. vertical integration or contract.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand

Page 46: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

116.

EFI Conveyor Systems recently visited a local AC motor distributor. This transaction most likely involves:

A. spot exchange.

B. vertical integration.

C. contract.

D. contract or vertical integration.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

117.

Sydney Roofers Incorporated recently purchased 100 pounds of standard roofing nails from Lowes, a nationwide hardware and building supplies store. This transaction most likely involves:

A. spot exchange.

B. vertical integration.

C. contract.

D. contract or vertical integration.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

118.

General Motors purchased Fischer Auto Body to produce bodies to place on a chassis. This transaction is best described as:

A. spot exchange.

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B. vertical integration.

C. contract.

D. contract or vertical integration.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

119.

Which of the following is NOT an implication of specialized investments that lead to increased transaction costs?

A. Costly bargaining

B. Opportunism and the hold-up problem

C. Underinvestment in specialized investments

D. Incentive contracts

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Remember Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

120.

Piece rates are typically a solution to the:

A. manager-worker, principal-agent problem.

B. manager-owner, principal-agent problem.

C. owner-worker, principal-agent problem.

D. None of the statements is correct.

Page 48: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

121.

Time clocks are typically a solution to the:

A. manager-consumer, principal-agent problem.

B. manager-owner, principal-agent problem.

C. consumer-worker, principal-agent problem.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

122.

Spot checks are typically a solution to the:

A. manager-consumer, principal-agent problem.

B. manager-worker, principal-agent problem.

C. consumer-worker, principal-agent problem.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

123.

The threat of a corporate takeover is an _________ incentive that helps to mitigate the _________ principal-agent problem.

A. internal; manager-worker

Page 49: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

B. internal; manager-consumer

C. external; owner-manager

D. external; owner-consumer

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

124.

Managerial reputation is an _____ incentive that helps to mitigate the _______ principal-agent problem.

A. internal; manager-worker

B. internal; manager-consumer

C. external; owner-manager

D. external; owner-consumer

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

125.

A decrease in the marginal benefit arising from a specialized investment will cause the optimal contract length to:

A. increase.

B. decrease.

C. remain constant.

D. either increase or decrease.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze

Page 50: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

126.

An increase in the marginal cost arising from a more complex specialized investment environment will cause the optimal contract length to:

A. increase.

B. decrease.

C. remain constant.

D. either increase or decrease.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

127.

A decrease in the marginal cost arising from a less complex specialized investment environment will cause the optimal contract length to:

A. increase.

B. decrease.

C. remain constant.

D. either increase or decrease.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

128.

Which of the following is NOT a solution to the manager-worker principal-agent problem?

A. Revenue sharing

B. Profit sharing

Page 51: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

C. Time clocks and spot checks

D. The threat of a takeover

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

129.

Which of the following is NOT a type of specialized investment?

A. Site specificity

B. Physical-asset specificity

C. Human capital

D. All of the statements associated with this question are types of specialized investments.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 1 Easy Learning Objective: 06-02 Identify four types of specialized investments; and explain how each can lead to costly bargaining; underinvestment; and/or a “hold-up problem.” Topic: Transaction Costs

130.

Long-term contracts become shorter:

A. when specialized investment becomes less important.

B. when the exchange environment is less complex.

C. when spot markets work poorly.

D. when marginal costs are increasing.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

Page 52: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

131.

An increase in the marginal cost arising from a more complex specialized investment environment will cause the optimal contract length to:

A. increase.

B. decrease.

C. remain constant.

D. either increase or decrease.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

132.

An increase in the marginal benefit arising from a specialized investment will cause the optimal contract length to:

A. increase.

B. decrease.

C. remain constant.

D. either increase or decrease.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

133.

Suppose a firm manager has a base salary of $175,000 and earns 0.5 percent of all profits. Determine the manager’s income if revenues are $10,000,000 and profits are $5,000,000.

A. $150,000

B. $200,000

C. $225,000

Page 53: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. $300,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

134.

Suppose a firm manager has a base salary of $50,000 and earns 2.5 percent of all sales. Determine the manager’s income if revenues are $20,000,000 and profits are $5,000,000.

A. $50,000

B. $175,000

C. $550,000

D. $700,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

135.

Suppose a firm manager has a base salary of $85,000 and earns 0.5 percent of all sales. Determine the manager’s income if revenues are $2,000,000 and profits are $500,000.

A. $50,000

B. $87,500

C. $95,000

D. $170,000

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

Page 54: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

136.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 500,000 + 200 π + 17S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $300, and S = sales (in millions) = $500. What percentage of the CEO’s total earnings is tied to profits of the firm?

A. 1.5 percent

B. 7.9 percent

C. 10.6 percent

D. 43.4 percent

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

137.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 500,000 + 200 π + 17S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $400, and S = sales (in millions) = $700. What percentage of the CEO’s total earnings is tied to profits of the firm?

A. 2.0 percent

B. 13.5 percent

C. 19.6 percent

D. 31.4 percent

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

138.

Suppose compensation is given by W = 100,000 + 157 π + 12S, where W = total compensation of the CEO, π = company profits (in millions) = $340, and S = sales (in millions) = $700. What percentage of the CEO’s total earnings is tied to sales of the firm?

A. 5.2 percent

B. 13.5 percent

C. 19.6 percent

Page 55: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

D. 33.0 percent

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Apply Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

139.

By instituting performance-based rewards to CEOs the profits of firms will:

A. rise.

B. fall.

C. remain constant.

D. None of the statements is correct.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-05 Discuss three forces that owners can use to discipline managers. Topic: Forces that Discipline Managers

Essay Questions

140.

Determine whether the following transactions involve spot exchange, contracts, or vertical integration. a. A major oil company refines gasoline from crude oil produced by oil wells that it owns. b. Transcontinental, an interstate natural-gas pipeline, has a legal obligation to purchase a specified amount of gas per week from a well owned by Fred Smith in Enid, Oklahoma. c. A cabinetmaker purchases a dozen wood screws from the local hardware store. d. An electric utility purchases coal from an underground mine.

(a) Vertical integration; (b) contract; (c) spot exchange; (d) spot exchange or contract.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-01 Discuss the economic trade-offs associated with obtaining inputs through spot exchange; contract; or vertical integration. Topic: Methods of Procuring Inputs

Page 56: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

141.

In general, automobile manufacturers produce their own engines but purchase tires from independent suppliers. Why? Engine manufacturing involves specific investments; by vertically integrating, the potential for opportunism is reduced. Tires are more uniform and can usually be purchased by spot exchange.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

142.

Which of the following transactions are likely to result in relationship-specific exchange? a. Purchasing gasoline for the company car b. Hiring an employee to operate a machine that only your company uses c. Buying napkins for the company snack bar d. Purchasing coal for the factory furnace e. Buying electricity

Certainly b, and in some instances, d.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

143.

Explain how each of the following affects the optimal method of acquiring an input. a. A complex contracting environment b. A specialized investment c. Opportunism d. Bargaining costs e. The costs of bureaucracy f. Gains from specialization

a. Makes contracts a less attractive form of input acquisition. b. Makes spot exchange problematic, due to opportunism. c. Leads to more detailed contracts or vertical integration. d. Leads to longer contracts, or in extreme instances, vertical integration. e. Reduces the gains to vertical integration and lead firms to use contracts or spot exchange to acquire inputs. f. Reduces the benefits of vertical integration.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking Blooms: Understand Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs.

Page 57: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

144.

Jiffyburger, a fast-food outlet, sells approximately 8,000 quarter-pound hamburgers in a given week. To meet that demand, Jiffyburger needs 2,000 pounds of ground beef delivered to its premises every Monday morning by 8:00 A.M. sharp. If you were the manager of a Jiffyburger franchise, how would you acquire the ground beef? Explain. I would use a contract, since this would decrease the problems of opportunism while still allowing for specialization in production.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluate Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

145.

Explain why people in the following occupations are compensated as they are. a. Insurance agents b. Football players c. Authors d. CEOs of major corporations e. Food servers

a. Insurance agents are usually compensated by a fixed base payment and a commission, which is positively related to the amount of business brought to the company. Without the variable part of salary, insurance agents have little incentive to find clients. b. Football players are usually compensated by a fixed payment, along with incentives tied to performance for reasons similar to the insurance agent example. c. Authors typically receive royalties, which are revenue-sharing plans whereby the author receives a fraction of the revenues generated by the book. This compensation scheme provides the author an incentive to write a high-quality book in order to generate lots of sales for the firm, and thus lots of royalty income for the author. d. A CEO of a major corporation is usually compensated by a fixed payment plus a variable bonus positively related to the amount of profits the corporation made. Without the variable part of the payment, the CEO will not put forth as much effort as desired by the principal. e. Waiters and waitresses are usually paid a small fixed payment by restaurants. The majority of their pay is derived from tips, since customers can monitor their servers while the restaurant manager cannot.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Learning Objective: 06-06 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to managers and workers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

Page 58: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

146.

A manager derives satisfaction from income and leisure on the job (shirking). a. If the manager is paid a fixed salary of $100,000, how much leisure will she consume on the job during an eight-hour day? Explain. b. When the manager is given a salary of $100,000 plus 10 percent of the firm’s profits, she chooses to spend six hours managing and two hours consuming leisure. Salary and bonus total $120,000. Does the manager necessarily prefer this situation to the situation in part (a)?

a. She will consume the whole eight hours as leisure because working (putting forth effort) causes dissatisfaction to the manager. Hence the manager will shirk if there is no punishment for doing so. b. The manager does prefer this situation to the situation in (a). There are two consumption bundles now: (1) $100,000 salary plus eight hours of leisure a day, and (2) $120,000 salary plus two hours of leisure a day. Since the original choice of eight hours shirking and $100,000 is still available, the fact that she chose to work two hours reveals that she prefers the second pay scheme.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

147.

Is it necessarily in the best interests of shareholders for management to ensure that there is absolutely no shirking in the workplace? Explain. Ensuring absolutely no shirking in the workplace implies very high monitoring costs. There is a trade-off for shareholders between increasing productivity by reducing shirking and reducing the monitoring costs. The manager should reduce shirking to the point where the marginal benefit from reducing shirking equals the marginal cost of reducing shirking.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

148.

Discuss the benefits and costs of the following methods of monitoring worker performance: a. Hidden video cameras in the workplace. b. Time clocks. c. Paying workers based on the output they produce.

a. The benefits are that it may be effective. The problem is that it affects the morale of the workers. Moreover, extra employees are required to watch the video. b. The major benefit of using time clocks is that they verify that workers show up to work. However, they do not provide any incentive to work once the workers are at the workplace. c. The benefits are that the manager can know the performance of individuals. The costs are

Page 59: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

that it may be costly to do so, and when the output is completed by teamwork or quality is hard to evaluate, it is difficult to know an individual worker’s performance.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

149.

According to Industry Week, a shoe manufacturer recently had a production run that resulted in 100,000 pairs of defective shoes. Workers on the production line knew the shoes were defective as they were being produced, but did nothing to fix the problem. Do you think a profit-sharing plan for workers would mitigate future problems? Explain. Clearly a profit-sharing reward scheme would have provided workers with an incentive to stop production. The bottom line is that if managers want workers to produce quality products, they must structure rewards that promote that goal.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

150.

College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) is a pension fund that has billions of dollars invested in the stock market. Fund participants recently voted on a proposal that would have placed strict limits on the amount of compensation paid to CREF executives. Why do you think 75 percent of the participants voted against the proposal? To the extent that the compensation paid to CREF executives is performance-based, executives receive large payments only if they are successful in increasing the net asset value of CREF funds. Capping compensation would thus reduce the executives’ incentive to maximize the value of CREF funds, thereby reducing the overall return to the fund participants.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluate Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

151. Suppose a principal knew with certainty the level of profits that would result if an agent put forth maximum effort.

Page 60: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

a. Would there be a principal-agent problem? b. Devise two incentive contracts that would induce the manager to put forth maximum effort in this instance.

a. There would not be a principal-agent problem if the principal could devise a contract such that the agent has no incentive to shirk. b. Incentive Contract 1: Pay the manager a percentage of profits, provided profits are maximal. Otherwise, pay nothing to the manager. Incentive Contract 2: The manager is paid a fixed salary if the profit reaches the maximal profit; the manager is paid nothing otherwise.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Create Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-04 Describe the principal-agent problem as it relates to owners and managers. Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem

152.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines recently announced a 10-year contract that gives pilots a greater opportunity to share in the profits of the airline. According to the terms of the contract, the pilots will receive options to buy 14 million shares of the firm’s stock over the next 10 years. What impact do you think this new contract will have on Southwest Airlines? The contract provides pilots an incentive to take actions that will enhance Southwest Air’s profits. Pilots will thus be more likely to strive for on-time departures, smooth flights, and to be courteous to passengers.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

153.

Art-R-Us makes hand-painted art reproductions. The owner-manager wishes to hire another artist, and is considering paying a fixed wage plus either (1) a share of the profits from each painting sold or (2) a fixed payment for each piece produced. Which plan would you choose if you were the owner? Explain. A share of the profits from each painting sold. Unlike a piece rate, this would provide the artist a greater incentive to produce high-quality reproductions.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluate Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

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154.

In a 1998 press release, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group (BCAG) announced that it was signing a 10-year contract with distributor Thyssen Inc., a distributor of raw aluminum, valued at approximately $300 million. The contract reflected Boeing’s effort to reduce costs and production bottlenecks resulting from supply shortages. The contract specified prices and guaranteed quantities of raw aluminum to be delivered to BCAG’s suppliers. If you were the production manager at BCAG, how would you justify the long-term nature of the contact with Thyssen Inc.? A contract permits it to avoid the hold-up problem in the future, but the trade-off is the uncertainty of the future economic environment.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

155.

As a manager of the WeDoWell Corporation, you have negotiated with several vendors and are on the verge of signing an eight-year contract with Bolts Enterprises. Under the contract, they would ship to you 2,000 titanium bolts per month at a price of $1,000 per bolt. Your assistant has just brought you an article from a trade publication that indicates another company has developed a new technology that reduces the cost of producing the titanium bolts. How would this information affect the optimal length of your contract with Bolts Enterprises? Explain. The reduction in another supplier’s cost of producing titanium bolts reduces WeDoWell’s marginal benefit of contracting. Therefore, the eight-year contract it has been negotiating is too long; the optimal contract length is now less than eight years.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Analyze Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-03 Explain the optimal manner of procuring different types of inputs. Topic: Optimal Input Procurement

156.

At the recent shareholders’ meeting, the CEO of a small bank proposed a plan to offer each of its employees 250 incentive options for Class A common stock. The key provisions of the plan are that employees must exercise the options between January 2014 and December 2019, and if an employee terminates his or her employment with the bank (or is terminated), the options are no longer exercisable. One shareholder feverishly objected to the plan, claiming that such a move would dilute the value of the outstanding shares. As CEO, how would you defend the stock option plan to the shareholders? The first important point to make with the shareholders is that this incentive plan is designed to maximize shareholder value. This is achieved by giving employees an incentive to stay with the company longer, thereby reducing costly employee turnovers and increasing the company’s profitability. Also, by using the stock options as an incentive plan, employees will

Page 62: AACSB: Reflective Thinking · Topic: Managerial Compensation and the Principal-Agent Problem 2. Which of the following forms of payment is NOT an incentive plan? A. Commission plans

want to find ways to work more productively and make the company more profitable. The benefits to the shareholders and the employees will be a higher stock price.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluate Difficulty: 3 Hard Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem

157.

You are the manager of Door-to-Door Vacuum Cleaners, Inc. Each salesperson is paid a base salary plus a percentage of the revenues she or he generates. In addition, each salesperson drives his or her car to and from each sales call and is reimbursed $0.40 per mile driven. On average, each salesperson drives about 150 miles per day and 240 days per year. As manager of Door-to-Door, how might you restructure the compensation of your sales force to enhance your profits? Are there any potential disadvantages of your plan? Explain. The manager might pay a salesperson a base salary plus a percentage of the profits. This plan would penalize salespersons, to some extent, for excessive mileage.

AACSB: Analytic Blooms: Evaluate Difficulty: 2 Medium Learning Objective: 06-07 Discuss four tools the manager can use to mitigate incentive problems in the workplace. Topic: The Manager-Worker Principal-Agent Problem