SSE/EFI Working Paper Series in Economics and Finance,
Stockholm School of Economics

Abstract: This study investigates under what circumstances there exist a separating equilibrium in which competent leaders choose incompetent co-workers and incompetent leaders choose competent co-workers. The driving force for the competent leader is the insurance motive; if things go wrong he can blame the incompetent co-worker and remain his reputation of being competent. For the incompetent leader the expected gain from such an insurance is outweighed by its costs in terms of lower expected policy outcome. Co-workers are motivated by career opportunities allowing for conflicting interests between the leader and the co-worker.

Keywords: Separating equilibrium; competence; co-worker; blame; scapegoat

JEL-codes: C72; D72; D82; J33

20 pages, May 5, 2000

Full text files

hastef0406.pdf  Full text

Download statistics

• Stockholm School of Economics
• Home page for this series

Questions (including download problems) about the papers in this series should be directed to Helena Lundin ()
Report other problems with accessing this service to Sune Karlsson ().

This page generated on 2024-02-11 18:19:15.