Principal-agent problem

An economics professor (agent) works overtime to finish a presentation for his university’s research seminar (principal)

A factory worker (agent) takes extra breaks, although their employer (principal) tracks all working hours and adjusts wages accordingly

A salesman (agent) — working for a firm that wants to limit costs (principal) — rents an expensive hotel and airline for his business trip

A diplomat (agent) delivers his president's (principal) declaration to the leader of a foreign country