As a small business owner, it's likely that you routinely employ other people to perform tasks and make decisions on your behalf. Delegating responsibility can take a lot of weight off your shoulders ...

Gen. David Petraeus’ Ph.D. is in international relations, not economics, but he clearly understands the microeconomic phenomenon known as the “principal-agent problem.” Overcoming it is the key ...

When a principal hires an agent to carry out specific tasks, the hiring is termed a "principal-agent relationship," or simply an "agency relationship." When a conflict of interest between the needs of ...

Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Suzanne is a content marketer, writer, and ...