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The Design of Ambiguous Mechanisms

Author

Listed:
  • Alfredo di Tillio
  • Nenad Kos
  • Matthias Messner

Abstract

This article explores the sale of an object to an ambiguity averse buyer. We show that the seller can increase his profit by using an ambiguous mechanism. That is, the seller can benefit from hiding certain features of the mechanism that he has committed to from the agent. We then characterize the profit maximizing mechanisms for the seller and characterize the conditions under which the seller can gain by employing an ambiguous mechanism. Finally, we propose a class of ambiguous mechanisms that are easy to implement and perform better than the best non-ambiguous mechanism.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfredo di Tillio & Nenad Kos & Matthias Messner, 2017. "The Design of Ambiguous Mechanisms," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 84(1), pages 237-276.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:restud:v:84:y:2017:i:1:p:237-276.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/restud/rdw051
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design

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