📚 Learning Guide
Monopsony and Marginal Analysis
easy

If a monopsonist pays a lower marginal factor cost than the marginal revenue product of labor, what is the likely effect on overall economic welfare in the labor market?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Economic welfare decreases due to underemployment of labor

B

Economic welfare increases as firms can hire more workers

C

Economic welfare remains unchanged since prices are stable

D

Economic welfare improves as firms maximize profits without externalities

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

In a monopsony, a single employer has significant control over the labor market, allowing them to set wages lower than what workers might earn in a competitive market. When a monopsonist pays a lower marginal factor cost than the marginal revenue product of labor, it means they are not fully compensating workers for the value they create. This situation can lead to decreased overall economic welfare because workers receive less income and may be less motivated to work efficiently, which can reduce productivity. For example, if a factory owner pays workers $10 an hour while their work generates $15 in value, the workers are not being rewarded fairly for their contributions. As a result, the economy may suffer from lower consumption and reduced growth, harming everyone involved.

Detailed Explanation

When a monopsonist pays less for labor than what workers can actually produce, it leads to fewer jobs. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that paying less helps hire more workers; This choice thinks that stable prices mean nothing changes.

Key Concepts

Monopsony
Marginal Factor Cost
Labor Market Efficiency
Topic

Monopsony and Marginal Analysis

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.