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Competitive markets, collective action, and the Big Box Retailer problem

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  • Brent D. Beal

    (University of Texas at Tyler)

Abstract

I use a stylized scenario—the Big Box Retailer Problem—to demonstrate that the presence of behavioural interdependence in economic markets may result in deficient outcomes that are both stable and supported by ongoing participant behaviour. I present a theoretical discussion of social dilemmas and use the Big Box Retailer Problem to illustrate that these characteristics—stability and ongoing support—cannot be reliably employed as indicators of outcome efficiency. Equally important is the conclusion that upfront costs and the ongoing necessity of monitoring and encouraging contributory behaviour are not reliable indicators of the relative inefficiency of outcomes associated with collective action. Questions are raised regarding the ethical responsibilities of business educators and the implications of social dilemmas for corporate social responsibility research.

Suggested Citation

  • Brent D. Beal, 2012. "Competitive markets, collective action, and the Big Box Retailer problem," The Journal of Philosophical Economics, Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies, The Journal of Philosophical Economics, vol. 6(1), November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bus:jphile:v:6:y:2012:i:1:n:3
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Pfeffer, Jeffrey & Fong, Christina T., 2004. "The Business School "Business": Some Lessons from the U.S. Experience," Research Papers 1855, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    4. Demsetz, Harold, 1988. "The Theory of the Firm Revisited," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 4(1), pages 141-161, Spring.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    corporate social responsibility; behavioural interdependence; economic markets; market failure; social dilemmas;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E03 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Macroeconomics
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics

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