Monopolistic Competition and Oligopoly Show
So far, we have discussed two market structures, pure competition and monopoly. These are the two extremes. Pure competition is the most competitive, and monopoly the least competitive. The two market structures discussed in this unit are in between these two extremes. We will first discuss monopolistic competition. Then we will discuss oligopoly in a later section. Characteristics of Monopolistic Competition Four characteristics of a monopolistically competitive industry are: 1. Many sellers. 2. Easy entrance. 3. Differentiated
products. 4. Local Advertising. Characteristics 1 and 2 are the same as in perfect competition. Characteristic 3 means that firms in this industry sell products that are similar but slightly different. The difference may be in the packaging of the product, the ingredients, the service associated with the product, the name of the product, etc. It is also possible that there may not be real differences, but only perceived differences by consumers. Advertising (characteristic 4) helps to emphasize these differences to consumers. Characteristics 3 and 4 usually result in competitors charging slightly different prices for their products. Competitor A may charge $5.49, while competitor B charges $5.29. Firms have some control over the price, and the demand curve is, therefore, downward sloping for each firm. Examples of Monopolistically Competitive Industries
Markets where a certain product or service is offered by only one company What are Monopolistic Markets?Monopolistic markets are markets where a certain product or service is offered by only one company. A monopolistic market structure has the features of a pure monopoly, where a single company fully controls the market and determines the supply and price of a product or service. Hence, a monopolistic market is a non-competitive market. Summary
Characteristics of Monopolistic MarketsIn a competitive market, numerous companies are present in the market and supply identical products. Its demand curve is flat, whereas, in a monopolistic market, the demand curve is downward sloping. Companies that are operating in a competitive market can sell any desired quantity at the market price. The following are the characteristics of a monopolistic market: 1. Single supplierA monopolistic market is regulated by a single supplier. Hence, the market demand for a product or service is the demand for the product or service provided by the firm. 2. Barriers to entry and exitGovernment licenses, patents, and copyrights, resource ownership, decreasing total average costs, and significant startup costs are some of the barriers to entry in a monopolistic market. When one supplier controls the production and supply of a certain product or service, other companies are unable to enter the monopolistic market. If the government believes that the product or service provided by the monopoly is necessary for the welfare of the public, the company may not be allowed to exit the market. Generally, public utility companies – such as electricity companies and telephone companies – may be prevented from exiting the respective market. 3. Profit maximizerIn a monopolistic market, the company maximizes profits. It can set prices higher than they would’ve been in a competitive market and earn higher profits. Due to the absence of competition, the prices set by the monopoly will be the market price. 4. Unique productIn a monopolistic market, the product or service provided by the company is unique. There are no close substitutes available in the market. 5. Price discriminationA company that is operating in a monopolistic market can change the price and quantity of the product or service. Price discrimination occurs when the company sells the same product to different buyers at different prices. Considering that the market is elastic, the company will sell a higher quantity of the product if the price is low and will sell a lesser quantity if the price is high. Causes of the Emergence of Monopolistic MarketsA monopolistic market comes into existence because of the following reasons:
Government RegulationAs difficult as it is to replicate a perfectly competitive market in reality, it is equally impossible to replicate a monopolistic market model. Usually, the government grants monopolies to public utility companies – telephone, natural gas supply, and power generation. However, the government may regulate the monopolistic market to prevent monopolies from setting excess prices. Also, in a monopolistic market, the company may not maintain quality service. Hence, government regulation ensures that the company follows the minimum service standard required. The government can regulate a monopolistic market through the following:
Related Readings Thank you for reading CFI’s guide to Monopolistic Markets. To keep learning and developing your knowledge base, please explore the additional relevant resources below:
Which of the following is the characteristics of a monopolistically competitive market?Monopolistic competition portrays an industry wherein many firms offer services and products that are comparable (however noticeably flawed) substitutes. Barriers to exit and entry in a monopolistic cutthroat industry are low, and the choices of any one firm don't straightforwardly influence those of its rivals.
Which of the following are characteristics of a monopolistically competitive market quizlet?Characteristics of Monopolistic Competition:. Many sellers.. Product Differentiation.. Free entry and exit.. Long run profits = 0.. Firm has market power (not a price taker). Downward sloping demand curve.. Many close substitutes.. |