What is the difference between delegation and dependency in agentic commerce?
Answer
Delegation occurs when a company chooses to let another party perform a function while retaining visibility, alternatives and the ability to change the arrangement. Dependency emerges when replacing that party becomes economically or operationally difficult. An agent can therefore be useful without creating strategic dependency if the brand maintains portable data, alternatives and reasonable exit rights.
Why this matters
Many platform relationships begin as efficient delegation and gradually become structural dependence as volume and integration increase.
What management should examine
- Switching costs.
- Data portability.
- Alternative channels.
- Contractual rights.
- Revenue and discovery concentration.
What good looks like
Management understands when scale advantages justify dependency and does not confuse convenience with strategic control.
Related questions and resources
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