The organizational-incentive theory of the firm examines delegation and incentives in market contracts and within organizations. Based on economic principal–agent models, the organizational-incentive theory of the firm focuses on the relative costs of adverse selection and moral hazard in market contracts and within organizations. The theory extends the contractual theory of the firm, as discussed in Chapters 9 and 10, which emphasizes the advantages of organization as a means of avoiding market transaction costs.

To understand the organizational-incentive theory of the firm it is useful to begin by asking What is an agent? The question is important not only because of the centrality of principal–agent models in microeconomics. It is fundamental to how economic models characterize market contracts and organizational relationships.

Because the notion of agency comes from law, it is worthwhile noting its legal implications. Agency in law is a fiduciary relationship, that is, one founded on trust. Black's Law Dictionary describes an agent as

An agent, therefore, can be either one of the following:

1. A producer

2. A intermediary.

A producer deals with things, devoting effort to completing tasks. An intermediary deals with other people, establishing contractual relationships.

The traditional economic analysis of the principal–agent problem has tended to emphasize the master–servant relationship, that is, treating the agent as producer.