The Effect of the Development of Large Firms on Society

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The Effect of the Development of Large Firms on Society

Many firms choose to expand in size because of the cost and market

share benefits the firms can reap. However, the development of large

firms may not always be of benefit to consumers, and the advantages

and disadvantages will be discussed in the following essay.

Because larger firms such as Shell Petrol Station are able to

experience internal economies of scale through lower unit costs, many

of the cost savings are then passed on to the consumers through lower

prices. Hence consumers are then able to enjoy greater consumer

surplus, defined as the difference between the maximum price that a

buyer is willing to pay for a good or service and the actual price

paid. As seen from the diagram below, the marginal cost curve shifts

to the right such that the new marginal cost = marginal revenue

equilibrium lowers the price and increases the output level compared

with the initial equilibrium.

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In addition, because larger firms with significant market power hav...

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