In this module's reading, you learned about game theory and a specific game referred to as the prisoners' dilemma (See Ch. 17-2, pp. 342-343). Let's understand why this particular game is so popular as a way to analyze the market structure of Oligopoly. To match the two-person prisoners' dilemma, let's assume a simple, two firm case of oligopoly called Duopoly. First, discuss the prisoners' dilemma game itself. Next, explain how it can be applied to the decisions that have to be made in an oligopoly. What specifically is the decision to be made by each seller in an oligopoly? How does each possible outcome in the prisoners' dilemma map into an outcome in an oligopoly? What do you think each seller's dominant strategy will be? Examine and discuss how the role of communication, specifically the lack of communication, can lead to an outcome that is worse for the players. (Of course, it is against U.S. law for the sellers to conspire to make the market less competitive!) Can you think of other examples of how the prisoners' dilemma could be applied to business decision making? Discuss any other applications of a prisoners' dilemma game you find to be interesting, whether from the text or one you can think of on your own.
In this module's reading, you learned about
First, discuss the prisoners' dilemma game itself. Next, explain how it can be applied to the decisions that have to be made in an oligopoly. What specifically is the decision to be made by each seller in an oligopoly? How does each possible outcome in the prisoners' dilemma map into an outcome in an oligopoly? What do you think each seller's dominant strategy will be? Examine and discuss how the role of communication, specifically the lack of communication, can lead to an outcome that is worse for the players. (Of course, it is against U.S. law for the sellers to conspire to make the market less competitive!)
Can you think of other examples of how the prisoners' dilemma could be applied to business decision making? Discuss any other applications of a prisoners' dilemma game you find to be interesting, whether from the text or one you can think of on your own.
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