Att motverka agentproblem i bemanningsföretag - En studie på principal-agentrelationer som påverkas av en tredje part

Sammanfattning: Purpose: The purpose of the essay is to test the classical principal-agency theory’s applicability in the relationship between staffing agencies and their consultants, a relationship that is also affected by a third party, the client of the staffing agency. Methodology: The study is a qualitative cross-sectional study and collects data through interviews. The interviews were based on an interview guide generated through our theoretical framework. The collected data was analyzed through comparison of the respondents' answers to the principal-agent theory. Theoretical perspectives: The study lays its theoretical foundation in the agency theory where it explores the agency problems that arise in the relationship between principal and agent. The main area of focus is on which contract that is most viable depending on the agent variables created by Eisenhardt (1989). Empirical foundation: The study focuses on the staffing industry. Therefore, to illustrate the industry, five consultant managers and three consultants have been interviewed in depth. The respondents are all from medium to large staffing agencies in the Malmö area. Conclusions: The study shows that staffing agencies according to the classical principal-agent theory should use performance-based contracts. Nevertheless, staffing companies rarely use this type of contract due to various reasons arising in the unique relationship. Thus, the results show that the principal agent theory is not compatible with the trilateral relationship that occurs in the staffing industry.