Screening Versus Sorting in a Principal-Agent Model with Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection

58 Pages Posted: 16 Aug 2010

See all articles by Rajiv D. Banker

Rajiv D. Banker

Temple University - Department of Accounting

Shaopeng Li

Independent

Jose M. Plehn-Dujowich

Powerlytics. Inc.

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Date Written: August 16, 2010

Abstract

This paper proposes a principal-agent model of moral hazard and adverse selection that introduces the notion of screening, which is distinct from sorting; and distinguishes between ability that is privately known by the agent versus general ability that is observable by the principal and market. Sorting is the traditional process by which the adverse selection problem is resolved. Screening is the process we propose by which agents that are deemed to be unsuitable are rejected. Used in conjunction with sorting, we consider ex-ante screening on the basis of the (observable) measure of general ability; and ex-post screening on the basis of the private measure of ability. We identify the benefits and costs incurred by the principal associated with hiring an agent with superior ability, and derive the manner in which the compensation mechanism should be adjusted to take into account the roles of screening. The principal may prefer agents with inferior qualifications, rejecting those who are “overqualified”; conversely, she may select an agent with a distinguished pedigree, rejecting agents who are “underqualified”. Screening alters the relationship between the compensation mechanism and the characteristics of the agency relationship, causing established results to change, such as the negative link between risk and incentives. The empirical ramifications of screening are important: not controlling for screening introduces bias and inconsistency in estimation.

JEL Classification: M41

Suggested Citation

Banker, Rajiv D. and Li, Shaopeng and Plehn-Dujowich, Jose M., Screening Versus Sorting in a Principal-Agent Model with Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection (August 16, 2010). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1659935 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1659935

Rajiv D. Banker

Temple University - Department of Accounting ( email )

Shaopeng Li

Independent

Jose M. Plehn-Dujowich (Contact Author)

Powerlytics. Inc. ( email )

P.O. Box 164
Mechanicsville, PA 18934
United States

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