We model two agents who can benefit from a mutual deal or partnership, yet are also searching for outside alternatives. This generic situation is observed in various settings (e.g., the job market for experts) and involves several decisions. The proposer decides not only on the timing, deadline,...

We investigate the use of exploding offers in job hiring situations via behavioral experiments. The pro-poser chooses between issuing an exploding or extended offer, while the responder waits for a better out-side alternative. Whereas an exploding offer must be accepted or rejected before...