2.1 Agency Theory
Agency theory explains the relationship between principal (stockholders) and agent
(management). At least there are two main problems in the relationship, managerial
compensation and asymmetry information (Jensen and Meckling, 1976). The first problem
appears because management desires higher managerial compensation in the form of bonus
while stockholders wants higher dividend. Second agency problem about asymmetry
information appears because management is an insider while stockholders are outsiders that
only know about company’s financial condition from the financial reports prepared by
management.
The first agency problem is possible to be solved by negotiation about managerial
compensation and executive stock ownership program. Meanwhile, the second agency
problem is expected to be solved by the role of independent (external) auditor. Independent
(external) auditor should provide assurance services to stockholders that financial reports
prepared by management are free from bias and material misstatement and in accordance
with accounting standards.