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Maxmin implementation

Author

Listed:
  • Tang, Rui
  • Zhang, Mu

Abstract

This paper studies the implementation problem of a mechanism designer with ambiguity averse agents. The mechanism designer, desiring to implement a choice correspondence, can create ambiguity for agents by committing to multiple allocation rules and transfer schemes without revealing which one to use. By extending the cyclical monotonicity condition from choice functions to choice correspondences, we show that the condition can fully characterize implementable choice correspondences. We then study the implementability of choice correspondences in supermodular environments. As an application, we consider a mechanism designer who wants to allocate one object to one of her most desired agents and show that she can strictly benefit from concealing the tie-breaking rules. An intuitive and computationally tractable condition is provided to characterize when the mechanism designer's preference induces an implementable choice correspondence.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Rui & Zhang, Mu, 2021. "Maxmin implementation," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jetheo:v:194:y:2021:i:c:s0022053121000673
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jet.2021.105250
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Implementation; Ambiguity aversion; Cyclical monotonicity; Randomized reports;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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