We examine how suppliers' relationship-specific cost structure decisions affect future performance. We argue that suppliers can avoid risk by choosing more flexible cost structures (less fixed-to-variable costs) or commit resources by choosing more rigid cost structures (more fixed-to-variable...

The critical global role of audit firms, combined with the scarcity of qualified staff and downward pressure on fees, has increased the importance of understanding efficiency in this industry. This paper examines the technical and allocative inefficiencies of audit firm staffing using data from...