Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose 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
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