Distorted Input Ratios in Vertical Relationships
Dongsoo Shin and Martin Peitz
A project leader sources an input from a supporter and combines it with an input produced in鈥恏ouse. The leader has private information about the project's cost environment. We show that if the leader can commit to the in鈥恏ouse input level, the input ratio is distorted upward when the in鈥恏ouse input is not too costly 鈥 the in鈥恏ouse input is produced in excess and thus partly wasted. By contrast, without the leader's commitment to the in鈥恏ouse input level, the input ratio is distorted downward when the in鈥恏ouse input is sufficiently costly 鈥 the outsourced input is produced in excess and thus partly wasted.
Oct 1, 2020