2. stealing and speculative attacks
2.1 A simple model
Consider the following simple model, which is related to LLSV (1999b) although they assume a different timing for expropriation relative to investment. As in Jensen and Meckling (1976), the conflict of interest is between insiders (managers) and outsiders (equity owners in our simple model). The manager own share α of the firm and outsiders own share 1 – α. Retained earnings are denoted by I. The manager stealing S≥0 of retained earnings and obtains utility of S from terms. We use “stealing” as shorthand for more general forms of expropriation by managers.