Explicit vs tacit collusion: The effects of firm numbers and asymmetries

B-Tier
Journal: International Journal of Industrial Organization
Year: 2018
Volume: 56
Issue: C
Pages: 1-25

Authors (2)

Garrod, Luke (Loughborough University) Olczak, Matthew (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.005 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

In an infinitely repeated game where firms with (possibly asymmetric) capacity constraints can make secret price cuts, we analyse the incentives for explicit collusion when firms can alternatively collude tacitly. Tacit collusion can involve price wars on the equilibrium path. Explicit collusion involves firms secretly sharing their private information to avoid such price wars, but this is illegal and runs the risk of sanctions. We find that, in contrast to the conventional wisdom but consistent with some empirical evidence, illegal cartels are least likely to arise in markets with a few symmetric firms, because tacit collusion is relatively more appealing in such markets. We discuss the implications for anti-cartel enforcement policy.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:indorg:v:56:y:2018:i:c:p:1-25
Journal Field
Industrial Organization
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25