Corporate control and investment decisions under uncertainty with incomplete markets
Abstract
In a stock-market economy under certainty, or uncertainty but with a complete set of asset
markets, the objective of the firm is profit maximization. In an economy under uncertainty with
incomplete asset markets, profit maximization is not a well-defined objective. We present a general
equilibrium model of firm's investment decision under uncertainty based on the preferences
of major shareholders and their corporate control power over production outcomes and we compare
it to some well-established investment decision criteria.
markets, the objective of the firm is profit maximization. In an economy under uncertainty with
incomplete asset markets, profit maximization is not a well-defined objective. We present a general
equilibrium model of firm's investment decision under uncertainty based on the preferences
of major shareholders and their corporate control power over production outcomes and we compare
it to some well-established investment decision criteria.
Keywords
Business enterprises; Organiζational behavior; Shapley, Lloyd S. (1923- )