What are the 4 types of agency?

What are the 4 types of agency? The four types of agency are advertising, marketing, public relations, and digital. Discover how they work and impact business success.

What are the 4 types of agency?

1. Universal Agency: This type of agency grants the agent broad powers to act on behalf of the principal, extending beyond a specific transaction or task. In other words, the agent has the authority to perform any act that the principal could do themselves. Universal agency is typically established through a power of attorney, where the agent is entrusted with complete control over the principal's affairs. This type of agency is often used in situations involving long-term or complex decisions.

2. General Agency: In a general agency relationship, the agent is authorized to represent the principal in a specific area or business, usually for an extended period. The authority given to the agent covers a range of actions related to the principal's affairs within a particular industry or field. For example, a real estate agent may have a general agency relationship with a property owner, allowing them to market and sell properties on their behalf. The agent has the power to enter into contracts, make decisions, and act as a representative of the principal within the defined scope.

3. Special Agency: Also known as specific agency, special agency is a limited form of agency where the agent represents the principal in a specific task or transaction. The agent's authority is restricted to that particular assignment, and their powers are not as broad as those granted in universal or general agency. Special agency relationships are commonly formed when a principal requires assistance in a single project or transaction, such as hiring a lawyer to handle a specific legal matter or engaging a broker to sell a specific asset. Once the task or transaction is completed, the agency relationship terminates.

4. Sub-Agency: Sub-agency exists when an agent delegates their authority to another individual or entity within the scope of their own agency relationship. The sub-agent acts as an intermediary between the agent and the principal, carrying out tasks and making decisions on behalf of the agent. However, it's important to note that the sub-agent's actions are ultimately attributed to the principal and not directly to the agent. Sub-agency is commonly used in situations where an agent needs assistance or lacks expertise in a specific area, allowing them to appoint a sub-agent with the necessary qualifications.

In conclusion, these four types of agency - universal, general, special, and sub-agency - provide a framework for understanding the various relationships that can exist between agents and principals. Each type serves different purposes and provides different levels of authority and responsibility. Understanding the distinctions between these types of agency is crucial for individuals and organizations involved in legal, business, or governmental affairs, as it determines the extent of an agent's power and the scope of their representation.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 types of agency?

The four types of agency are principal-agent, agency by ratification, apparent agency, and agency by estoppel.

What is principal-agent agency?

Principal-agent agency is when a principal gives authority to an agent to act on their behalf in business transactions.

What is agency by ratification?

Agency by ratification occurs when someone acts on behalf of another without their prior authorization, but the principal later accepts and ratifies the actions.

What is apparent agency?

Apparent agency, also known as ostensible agency, is when a principal creates the appearance of an agency relationship with an individual, leading others to believe that person has authority to act on their behalf.

What is agency by estoppel?

Agency by estoppel is when a principal's actions, or lack thereof, lead third parties to believe that an agency relationship exists, and they rely on this belief to their detriment.