Question

The managers at Speed Automobile Inc. want to diversify the business by acquiring a consumer electronics company. This acquisition would mean increased job security, higher compensation, and greater decision-making authority for the managers. The managers correlate this acquisition to greater power for them rather than to the appreciation in shareholder value. In this scenario, this acquisition by Speed Automobile is most likely a result of:

Answer 1

Answer:

principal-agent problem

Explanation:

In a corporation, the principal-agent problem refers to conflict of priorities that exist between the shareholders and the management. Management has the duty of increasing the corporation value, and therefore increasing the shareholders' wealth. But sometimes, management makes decisions that benefit them more than the shareholders. This conflict of interest can be really dangerous for a corporation, since managers may safeguard their own personal interests and sacrifice the corporation's future value.