Characteristics of monopoly -:
- Single seller -:
Monopoly market is characterized by presence of single seller. As a
result market demand curve and demand curve of monopolist will
coincide. Since market demand curve is always negatively sloped ,
So demand curve of monopolist is also negatively sloped. It means
that to sell more of output monopolist have to reduce price and
price is reduced not only for last unit but it is reduced on all
previous units also. Due to this marginal revenue is less than
average revenue.
- Entry is Restricted -:
In Monopoly market entry of new firm is restricted as a result
monopolist will continue to earn super normal profit in long
run.
- Demand Curve is Inelastic -:
This is because number of substitutes will be less.
Why Monopoly arises ?
- Sometimes monopoly arises due to government regulation.
Government may give a single firm exclusive rights to produce or
distribute goods.
- Cost of production make Single producer more efficient than
large number of producers. (natural monopoly)
- Monopoly may arise when an important resource is owned by a
single firm.
Profit maximization condition -:
* A monopolist will be in equilibrium when either profit
is maximized or loss is minimized. For this following condition
must be satisfied -:
- MR = MC
- Slope of MC > Slope of MR