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Journal of Accounting and Economics Vol. 32 No. 1-3 2001

Contracting theory and accounting

Richard A. Lambert

University of Pennsylvania

Abstract

This paper reviews agency theory and its application to accounting issues. I discuss the formulation of models of incentive problems caused by moral hazard and adverse selection problems. I review theoretical research on the role of performance measures in compensation contracts, and I compare how information is aggregated for compensation purposes versus valuation purposes. I also review the literature on communication, including models where the revelation principle does not apply so that nontruthful reporting and earnings management can take place. The paper also discusses capital allocation within firms, including transfer pricing and cost allocation problems.

DOI
10.1016/s0165-4101(01)00037-4
Volume
32
Issue
1-3
Pages
3-87
Language
en
Sources
bibtex:phds-export.bib openalex crossref

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