Agency Problems in Early Chartered Companies: The Case of the Hudson’s Bay Company

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic History
Year: 1990
Volume: 50
Issue: 4
Pages: 853-875

Authors (2)

Carlos, Ann M. (University of Colorado) Nicholas, Stephen (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

The problem of controlling overseas managers confronts all multilocational firms. Historians have argued that because of the extreme time lags in communication, chartered companies were unable to control managerial behavior. We argue that not only did the Hudson’s Bay Company understand the agency problem but also put into operation strategies designed to attenuate opportunistic behavior. The company used employment contracts and control systems and established a social structure compatible with the company’s aims.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:cup:jechis:v:50:y:1990:i:04:p:853-875_03
Journal Field
Economic History
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25