Description: Presenting the foundations of an integrated theory of organizations, Jensen argues that the cost of transferring information necessitates decentralization of some decision rights in organizations and economies. This in turn requires organizations to solve the control problem that results when self-interested persons do not behave as perfect agents.
Brief description: Michael C. Jensen is Jesse Isidor Straus Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus, Harvard Business School.
Review Quotes: This is the first time we have had a virtually complete exposition of Jensen's approach to what has become known as 'positivist agency theory' between one set of hard covers. It should thus be extremely welcome to every scholar who wishes to incorporate an agency perspective in his or her work...Jensen's book is a powerful tool in understanding the implications of this.--Arthur Francis "Times Higher Education Supplement"