We investigate the role of price communication in imperfect information environments by setting up a dynamic differentiated duopoly where actions are not observable and where firms decide, before pricing, whether to communicate their choices to the rivals. When firms play simultaneously in the pricing stages, communication across them is a dominant strategy allowing firms to coordinate prices, thus reducing competition. However, when communication takes place within pricing stages, this meaning that firms are given the opportunity to choose roles, the above firms coordination in prices is mitigated. This is because of the existence of a second mover advantage effect. Communication by the leader acts as a pre-commitment device to a price umbrella that the follower will undercut. As a result, we end up with a more competitive situation although price levels will not go down to those without communication.
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Paper provided by Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Económicas, S.A. (Ivie) in its series Working Papers. Serie AD with number
1998-26.
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Mirman, L.J. & Samuelson, L. & Urbano, A., 1989.
"Monopoly Experimentation,"
Papers
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Other versions:
Amparo Urbano & Larry Samuelson & Leonard J. Mirman, 1990.
"Monopoly Experimentation,"
Working Papers. Serie AD
1990-04, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Económicas, S.A. (Ivie).
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Mirman, Leonard J & Samuelson, Larry & Urbano, Amparo, 1993.
"Monopoly Experimentation,"
International Economic Review,
Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 34(3), pages 549-63, August.
[Downloadable!] (restricted)
Gal-Or, Esther, 1985.
"First Mover and Second Mover Advantages,"
International Economic Review,
Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 26(3), pages 649-53, October.
[Downloadable!] (restricted)