A disconnection or conflict between the objectives and goals of the principal and those of the agent authorized to represent the principal. The principal-agent problem arises because an agent is given the responsibility and authority to take actions that affect both the principal, but can also affect the agent. This problem is common in corporate management, where the principal is shareholders and the agent is managers. It is also common in government, where the principal is the public and the agent is elected leaders.

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Like most consumers, workers, and taxpayers, I engage in market exchanges for a lot of stuff -- food, labor, shelter, entertainment, confectionery products. But as I wandered through the peaceful community of Shady Valley, U. S. of A., I entered a "market" that I would have rather avoided. That's right, as the title indicates, I exchange some crime. I was mugged -- relieved of several valuable possessions -- right in front of the Shady Valley police station. I did the selling and my mugger did the "buying." While my part in the exchange was involuntary, the mugger's part was quite voluntary. In fact, the perpetrator of this crime acted much like any consumer headed to Natural Ned's Nursery and Garden Center in search of a creeping juniper. Let's see why?
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Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time at a garage sale hoping to buy either a wall poster commemorating Thor Heyerdahl's Pacific crossing aboard the Kon-Tiki or decorative garden figurines. Be on the lookout for crowded shopping malls.
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This isn't me! What am I?

-- F. Scott Fitzgerald, writer

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