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Experimental Cournot oligopoly and inequity aversion

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  • Doruk İriş
  • Luís Santos-Pinto

Abstract

This paper explores the role of inequity aversion as an explanation for observed behavior in experimental Cournot oligopolies. We show that inequity aversion can change the nature of the strategic interaction: quantities are strategic substitutes for sufficiently asymmetric output levels but strategic complements otherwise. We find that inequity aversion can explain why: (i) some experiments result in higher than Cournot–Nash production levels while others result in lower, (ii) collusion often occurs with only two players whereas with three or more players market outcomes are very close to Cournot–Nash, and (iii) players often achieve equal profits in asymmetric Cournot oligopoly. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014

Suggested Citation

  • Doruk İriş & Luís Santos-Pinto, 2014. "Experimental Cournot oligopoly and inequity aversion," Theory and Decision, Springer, vol. 76(1), pages 31-45, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:theord:v:76:y:2014:i:1:p:31-45
    DOI: 10.1007/s11238-013-9354-7
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    Cited by:

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    3. Arifovic, Jasmina & Diao, Liang & Hanaki, Nobuyuki, 2025. "An individual evolutionary learning model meets Cournot," Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    4. Li, Yan & Chen, Yefen & Shou, Biying & Zhao, Xiaobo, 2019. "Oligopolistic quantity competition with bounded rationality and social comparison," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 211(C), pages 180-196.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D43 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Oligopoly and Other Forms of Market Imperfection
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm

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