We propose a framework for analyzing transformations of demand. Such transformations frequently stem from changes in the dispersion of consumers` valuations, which lead to rotations of the demand curve. In a wide variety of settings, profits are a U-shaped function of dispersion. A high level of...

This paper considers the impact of reviewers on sales of products of quality unknown to consumers. Sales occur simultaneously after consideration by a reviewer with a known level of bias. Consumers observe the reviewer`s decision and a private signal. We find that: (a) with flexible prices and...

Which are the basic strategic options of young scientists in the process of scientific competition? Which are the basic structural conditions influencing the outcome of strategic actions? What strategic choices should be made depending on given structural conditions? In thispaper we approach...

Recent events involving major insurance companies and insurance brokerage firms highlight substantial incentive problems in commercial and reinsurance markets where intermediation takes place. We show that in markets with informed as well as uninformed consumers and heterogeneous risk profiles...

We develop a reputation model to study the concurrent use of trademarks and certification for foodproducts with a regional identity, known as geographical indications (GIs). The model extendsShapiro’s (1983) approach to modeling reputation to a situation in which two technologies for...

Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, in die ökonomische Analyse des Versicherungsbetrugs einzuführenund einige grundlegende Determinanten für vertragswidriges Verhalten von Versicherungsnehmern aufzuzeigen. Dazu werden zunächst die strategischen Entscheidungsprobleme von Versicherungsneh-mern und...

Extreme adverse selection arises when private information has unboundedsupport, and market breakdown occurs when no trade is the only equilibriumoutcome. We study extreme adverse selection via the limit behavior of afinancial market as the support of private information converges to an...

Candidates compete to persuade a decision maker. The decision maker wishes toselect a candidate who possesses a certain ability. Then, as a signaling, each candidatedecides whether to perform a task whose performance statistically re‡ects the ability.However, since the cost of the performance...

An apology is a strong and cheap device to restore social or economic relationships thathave been disturbed. In a laboratory experiment we find that harmdoers use apologies inparticular if they fear punishment and when their intentions cannot be easily inferred. Afteroffenses with ambiguous...