What is a key characteristic of an agency relationship?

A key characteristic of an agency relationship is that it requires mutual consent between the principal and the agent. This consent is vital because it establishes the authority of the agent to act on behalf of the principal. Without mutual agreement, the relationship cannot exist; the agent must have the principal's permission to make decisions or take actions that legally bind the principal in transactions or dealings with third parties.

This mutual consent can be explicit, where both parties formally agree and document the relationship, or it can be implied through their actions or the nature of their interactions. Thus, it is foundational to creating and sustaining the relationship of trust and responsibility that defines an agency.

In contrast, while documentation can be useful for clarity in an agency relationship, it is not a prerequisite for the existence of the relationship itself. Similarly, financial incentives may play a role in motivating the agent, but they do not define the agency relationship's essence. Shared responsibilities can exist within the relationship, but they are not a necessary characteristic that establishes the agency itself.