EBK MICROECONOMICS
EBK MICROECONOMICS
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319115890
Author: KRUGMAN
Publisher: MPS (CC)
Question
Book Icon
Chapter 14, Problem aWYWL
To determine

What is Oligopoly and why does it occur.

Concept Introduction:

An industry with only few sellers is known as an oligopoly.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

A monopoly is one firm, duopoly is two firms and oligopoly is two or more firms. Oligopoly is that kind of market structure in which the decisions of one firm are influenced by the decisions of other firms. An oligopoly isn’t necessarily made up of large firms. It includes a number of small firms, with few sellers, each seller is likely to be aware of the actions of others. Oligopolies are the price makers rather than price takers. Due to high barriers to entry, it becomes difficult for new firms to enter the market. The primary reason because of which oligopolies came into existence was because of large investment of capital. Since the market was dominated by existing sellers who were price makers, it was difficult for new firms to enter the market and invest huge sums of capital to and distinguish its product from the prevailing ones. Many oligopolies have occurred by the combination or merger of two or more independent firms. Mergers resulted in higher market share. Also, as there is high entry barrier, firms may not choose to enter into the market and make losses. To distinguish its product from the existing product, the firm will have to bear huge expenses and may not be able to make profits in the short run. Owing to all these reasons, oligopolies came into existence.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Explain and evaluate the impact of legislation on the U.S. criminal justice system, specifically on the prison population and its impact on poverty and the U.S. economy. Include significant elements and limitations such as the War on Drugs and the First Step Act.
Given the following petroleum tax details, calculate the marginal tax rate and explain its significance: Total Revenue: $500 million Cost of Operations: $200 million Tax Rate: 40% Additional Royalty: 5% Profit-Based Tax: 10%
Use a game tree to illustrate why an aircraft manufacturer may price below the current marginal cost in the short run if it has a steep learning curve.   ​(Hint​: Show that learning by doing lowers its cost in the second​ period.) Part 2 Assume for simplicity the game tree is illustrated in the figure to the right. Pricing below marginal cost reduces profits but gives the incumbent a cost advantage over potential rivals. What is the subgame perfect Nash​ equilibrium?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Text book image
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:9780134078779
Author:Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:9780134870069
Author:William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:9781305585126
Author:N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:9781337106665
Author:Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-...
Economics
ISBN:9781259290619
Author:Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education