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The Global Insight

What is the principal agency problem explain?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on February 10, 2026

The principal-agent problem is a conflict in priorities between the owner of an asset and the person to whom control of the asset has been delegated. The risk that the agent will act in a way that is contrary to the principal’s best interest can be defined as agency costs.

What is the principal-agent problem in government?

The principal-agent problem can occur in government when officials have incentives to act in their own interests rather than as agents for the people, who are the principals. Elected officials, unelected officials, and lobbyists all face different pressures to act against the public interest.

What is an example of a principal-agent problem?

Principal Agent Problem Examples A widespread real-life example of the principal agent problem is the way companies are owned and operated. The owners (principal) of a firm will elect a board of directors. The board of directors monitor and guide the management team like C-Level executives (the agents).

How can we solve agency problem?

You can overcome the agency problem in your business by requiring full transparency, placing restrictions on the agent’s capabilities, and tying your compensation structure to the well-being of the principal.

How do you solve principal agency problem?

The principal-agent problem can be resolved by aligning the interests of both parties. As the agent that works on behalf of the principal may have different incentives, it is important to bring these in line as much as possible.

How do I fix the principal-agent problem?

What is an example of an agency problem?

The Enron Scandal One particularly famous example of the agency problem is that of Enron. Enron’s directors had a legal obligation to protect and promote investor interests but had few other incentives to do so. Despite being a multi-billion dollar company, Enron began losing money in 1997.

Is there such a thing as an agency problem?

The agency problem does not exist without a relationship between a principal and an agent. In this situation, the agent performs a task on behalf of the principal.

What makes a problem a principal agent problem?

The risk that the agent will shirk a responsibility, make a poor decision, or otherwise act in a way that is contrary to the principal’s best interest, can be defined as agency costs. Additional agency costs can be incurred while dealing with problems that arise from an agent’s actions. Agency costs are viewed as a part of transaction costs.

Can a principal constantly monitor an agent’s actions?

Logically, the principal cannot constantly monitor the agent’s actions. The risk that the agent will shirk a responsibility, make a poor decision, or otherwise act in a way that is contrary to the principal’s best interest can be defined as agency costs.

How do modern corporations deal with agency problems?

In corporate finance, the agency problem usually refers to a conflict of interest between a company’s management and the company’s stockholders.