Title: Government/business relations: an agency-theory perspective on the procurement of market research

Authors: Michel R. Rod

Addresses: Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, 1708 Dunton Tower, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada

Abstract: The purpose of this conceptual paper is to provide a brief description and review of the agency theory literature in ultimately proposing that agency theory may provide a novel and potentially useful foundation for analysing (for researchers) and influencing (for managers) the nature of contractual relations between government departments that secure the services of commercial market research firms. The methodological approach involves a non-exhaustive review of literature addressing agency theory and public sector procurement from commercial sources. Although this paper is primarily targeted at academics with an interest in studying the relationships between market research providers and public sector market research users, there are some practical managerial implications that are discussed. Thus far in the extant marketing literature, there has been no suggestion that an agent theoretical perspective can contribute to both the study and management of government/business relationships related to the procurement of market research.

Keywords: agency theory; market research; buyers; sellers; contractual relations; government departments; business relationships; public sector; managerial implications; theoretical perspectives; procurement management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2011.037388

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2011 Vol.4 No.1, pp.108 - 120

Published online: 31 Jan 2015 *

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