Agency Problem

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Agency Problem'

A conflict of interest arising between creditors, shareholders and management because of differing goals.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Agency Problem'

For example, an agency problem exists when management and stockholders have conflicting ideas on how the company should be run.

Related Definitions

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    An entity (person or institution) that extends credit by giving another entity permission to borrow money if it is paid back at a later date. Creditors can be classified as either ...
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  • Stockholders' Equity

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  • Corporate Governance

    The relationship between all the stakeholders in a company. This includes the shareholders, directors, and management of a company, as defined by the corporate charter, bylaws, formal ...
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    • Agency Costs

      A type of internal cost that arises from, or must be paid to, an agent acting on behalf of a principal. Agency costs arise because of core problems such as conflicts of interest between ...
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    • Asset Substitution Problem

      A problem that arises when a company exchanges its low-risk assets for high-risk investments. This substitution transfers value from a firm's bondholders to its shareholders.
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    • Underinvestment Problem

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