We study the optimal hierarchical structure of an organization under limited commitment. The organization cannot make a long term commitment to wages and output levels, while it can commit to its hierarchical structure. We show that the optimal hierarchical structure is horizontal when it is...

In a principal-agent framework, we explain different managing styles. In our model, there are two vertical tasks -- an upstream task for improving the project's potential environment, and a downstream task for implementing the project. The downstream task must be done by the worker, but the...