In object-oriented databases, data and methods are combined by objects and their classes. Information redundancies are removed by the notions of class hierarchy and inheritance. This contributes the realization of high-performance systems. However, the flexibility of object structures still remains a problem due to its encapsulation feature. In this paper, we introduce an object deputy model which extends conventional object-oriented models with the concepts of deputy objects and deputy classes. A deputy object has its own identifier and may possess its own attributes and methods. It can also have attributes that are computed from values stored within its source object, and can be associated with methods generated from these of the source object. The inheritances are realized by switching operations, which make it possible to realize controllable, selective and dynamic inheritance structures. Schemata of deputy objects are defined by deputy classes which can be derived by an object deputy algebra. An object can have many deputy objects, and several objects can share a single deputy object. Thus, objects can be indirectly divided and combined through their deputy objects. We show that several difficult database problems, such as flexible views, objects with more than one role, object migration, and multiple inheritance become much easier in this model. The data-knowledge coordination model developed for the integration of distributed databases and knowledge-bases can also be realized easily by the object deputy model. Finally, we discuss several advanced database applications of this model, such as geographic databases, virtual office systems, and distant education systems.