Why Delegate?

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This book moves beyond standard economic accounts of delegation to explore its essential role in society. From selecting a plumber to managing a country, delegation is fundamental. We assign tasks to those with greater expertise, which can enhance efficiency, broaden responsibility, and increase happiness. However, failed delegation leads to conflict, corruption, and a lack of accountability. The author investigates the incentives and risks associated with delegation, presenting a revised understanding of the principal-agent relationship that clarifies a range of issues in both private and public life. Real-world case studies, including child abuse in the Catholic Church, the Volkswagen pollution scandal, and FIFA corruption, highlight the complexities of delegation. These examples reveal the opportunism of both leaders and followers, suggesting that traditional views of the principal-agent relationship are inadequate. By integrating multidisciplinary research on motivation, control, responsibility, and accountability, the book offers a more comprehensive logic of delegation. It develops a new framework for understanding the theory and practice of this critical relationship, emphasizing its significance across various contexts and its implications for society.