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Explaining escalating prices and fines: A unified approach

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  • Buehler, Stefan
  • Eschenbaum, Nicolas

Abstract

This paper provides an explanation for escalating prices and fines based on a unified analytical framework that nests monopoly pricing and optimal law enforcement. We show that escalation emerges as an optimal outcome if the principal (i) lacks commitment ability, and (ii) gives less than full weight to agent benefits. Escalation is driven by decreasing transfers for non-active agents rather than increasing transfers for active agents. Some forward-looking agents then strategically delay their activity, which drives a wedge between the optimal static transfer and the benefit of an indifferent agent. This wedge is the source of escalation.

Suggested Citation

  • Buehler, Stefan & Eschenbaum, Nicolas, 2020. "Explaining escalating prices and fines: A unified approach," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 153-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:171:y:2020:i:c:p:153-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2020.01.008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Dietrich Earnhart & Sandra Rousseau, 2024. "Sanctioning environmental offenses committed by companies: the joint use of firm and employee sanctions," European Journal of Law and Economics, Springer, vol. 58(1), pages 71-118, August.
    3. Stefan Buehler & Nicolas Eschenbaum, 2021. "Dynamic Monopoly Pricing With Multiple Varieties: Trading Up," Papers 2108.07146, arXiv.org, revised Dec 2021.
    4. Kohei Daido & Tomoya Tajika, 2021. "Hidden Cost of Sanctions in a Dynamic Principal-Agent Model: Reactance to Controls and Restoration of Freedom," Discussion Paper Series 233, School of Economics, Kwansei Gakuin University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Escalation; Behavior-based pricing; Repeat offenders; Deterrence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D42 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Monopoly
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L12 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Monopoly; Monopolization Strategies

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