How can a government regulate a…

Business Studies Questions

How can a government regulate a natural monopoly? Check all that apply: a. It could buy out the company and operate it instead. b. It could limit how much the company charges customers. c. It could force the company to offer a different good or service. d. It could insist the company get approval before making certain decisions. e. It could set up new companies to introduce competition into the market. f. It could split the company into smaller firms that serve different customers.

Answer

It could limit the prices that the company charges customers. Additionally, it could require the company to obtain approval before making specific decisions. A natural monopoly occurs when a single firm is able to serve the entire market demand for a specific product more efficiently than multiple firms could. This typically arises in industries with significant start-up costs, specialized raw materials, or unique technologies. In such scenarios, the firm enjoys significant economies of scale. Governments regulate natural monopolies chiefly to safeguard consumer interests. Given that a natural monopoly can set its prices at will, as it is the sole provider, the government reviews the company’s historical costs to implement regulations. They may impose a price cap, limiting how much the firm can charge over a defined timeframe. It is expected that the natural monopoly will operate rationally within these constraints. Nevertheless, the government retains the authority to mandate that the monopoly seek approval for certain decisions, such as when it plans to adjust the volume of goods it supplies.

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