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Concurrence stratégique et incertitude : la valeur startégique de la flexibilité

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  • Sophie Lecostey

Abstract

[fre] Concurrence stratégique et incertitude. La valeur stratégique de la flexibilité. . L'étude de la concurrence stratégique sous environnement incertain repose souvent sur l'articulation entre flexibilité et engagement préalable. En particulier, lorsque ceux-ci s'excluent mutuellement, le choix relève d'un arbitrage entre valeur stratégique de l'engagement et bénéfice informationnel lié à la flexibilité. L'objet de cet article est de montrer que la flexibilité possède aussi une valeur stratégique contenue dans sa propriété de réduire le bénéfice informationnel dont dis­pose un concurrent flexible. Ainsi, elle peut dissuader une entrée motivée par une forte incertitude alors même que l'engagement préalable ne le permet pas ou bien impose une forte baisse de prix moyen. Dans ces conditions, la flexibilité pourrait intégrer la famille des barrières à l'entrée. [eng] Strategic competition and uncertainty : on the strategic value of flexibility. . In this paper, we show, in a framework where there is a trade-off between flexibility and pre-commitment as in Spencer-Brander 1992, that flexibility exhibits a strategic value. This strategic value of flexibility comes from its property of reducing informational benefit available to a flexible competitor. So, by choosing flexibility an incumbent may deter entry more easily than by choosing pre-commitment. In such conditions, flexibility may give rise to the whole range of entry barriers.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophie Lecostey, 1994. "Concurrence stratégique et incertitude : la valeur startégique de la flexibilité," Revue Économique, Programme National Persée, vol. 45(6), pages 1443-1458.
    • Handle: RePEc:prs:reveco:reco_0035-2764_1994_num_45_6_409618
    DOI: 10.3406/reco.1994.409618
    Note: DOI:10.3406/reco.1994.409618
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    3. Spencer, Barbara J. & Brander, James A., 1992. "Pre-commitment and flexibility : Applications to oligopoly theory," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 36(8), pages 1601-1626, December.
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