Classification of the Different Types of Market Structures

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INTRODUCTION Market Structure is the complete array of industry characteristics that directly affect the price/output decisions made by firms. One of the most important elements of market structure is the number and size distribution of sellers and buyers. Generally speaking, the greater the number of market participants, the more vigorous the competition. Similarly, the more even the balance of power between sellers and buyers, the more likely it is that the competitive process will yield maximum benefits. However, a link between the number of market participants and the vigour of competition does not always hold true. In addition to the number and size distribution of actual and potential competitors, market structure is also described by the degree of product differentiation. Product differentiation includes any real or perceived differences in quality of goods and services offered to consumers. Sources of product differentiation include all of the various forms of advertising promotion, plus new product and process developments made possible by effective programmes of research and development. The availability and cost of information about prices and output quality is a similarly important determinant of market structure. Competition is always most vigorous when buyers and sellers have ready access to detailed price/performance information. Finally market structure is broadly determined by entry and exit conditions. Low regulatory barriers, modest capital requirements, and nominal standards for skilled labour and other inputs all increase the likelihood that competition will be vigorous. Because all of these elements of market structure have important consequences for the price/output decisions made by firms, the study of market structure is therefore an important ingredient of Managerial Economics. WHAT IS MARKET STRUCTURE? Market Structure describes the

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