Communication in Vertical Markets: Experimental Evidence / Claudia Möllers, Hans-Theo Normann, Christopher M. Snyder.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Möllers, Claudia.

Contributor:

National Bureau of Economic Research.

Normann, Hans-Theo.

Snyder, Christopher M.

Series:

Working Paper Series (National Bureau of Economic Research) no. w22219.

NBER working paper series no. w22219

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource: illustrations (black and white);

Other Title:

Communication in Vertical Markets

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Mass. National Bureau of Economic Research 2016.

Summary:

When an upstream monopolist supplies several competing downstream firms, it may fail to monopolize the market because it is unable to commit not to behave opportunistically. We build on previous experimental studies of this well-known commitment problem by introducing communication. Allowing the upstream firm to chat privately with each downstream firm reduces total offered quantity from near the Cournot level (observed in the absence of communication) halfway toward the monopoly level. Allowing all three firms to chat together openly results in complete monopolization. Downstream firms obtain such a bargaining advantage from open communication that all of the gains from monopolizing the market accrue to them. A simple structural model of Nash bargaining fits the pattern of shifting surpluses well. We conclude with a discussion of the antitrust implications of open communication in vertical markets.

Notes:

Print version record

May 2016.