Game theoretic analysis of relational contracts typically studies Pareto-optimal equilibria of infinitely repeated games. We illustrate with several examples how this equilibrium selection rules out very intuitive hold-up concerns. This becomes apparent only when moving away from the stationary...

This paper considers a model of incomplete information with selfish rational types and types who comply with social or moral norms by intrinsic motivation. We explore 'complier optimal norms', which maximize expected average utility of all compliant types given that the norms are commonly known....

Many successful franchise chains directly own a positive fraction of stores - a structure referred to as plural form. We propose that this ownership structure is chosen as a commitment not to expropriate franchisees. The theoretical model is based on an empirical analysis of contract and...

If a manager stays in office for a long time he will have learned much about his subordinates. Thus competition among them will be weak as the manager has made up his mind who is suited best for which position. With a new manager the "race" for favorable tasks is restarted leading subordinates...

Der Beitrag untersucht den Markt für Elektrizitäts-Minutenreserve (tertiäre Regelenergie) in Deutschland im Jahr 2008. Mit über 200 Millionen Euro machte dieser etwa 15% der Kosten für Systemdienstleistungen aus. Die Beschaffung von Minutenreserven ist als diskriminierende Auktion...

Competition between parallel infrastructures incorporates opposing welfare effects. The gain from reduced deadweight loss might be out- weighed by the inefficient duplication of an existing infrastructure. Using data from broadband internet access for Western Europe 2000-2004, this paper...