Question

In each of the following situations, identify if there is a positive or negative externality in play. Explain you answer thoroughly.
A local bridal shop shares a strip mall with eight other businesses. Recently all have agreed that the signage at the road needs a facelift. Although all eight businesses use the sign, the other seven are not willing to pay for a fresh paint job. The bridal shop decides to foot the bill and, on their own, they update the sign. Is there a positive or negative externality in play? Why?
A local church holds a "4th of July Celebration" and invites everyone in their area to come enjoy free bounce-houses, live music and snow cones..
A local high school decides to expand their bus ramp to help buses get in and out of the school more quickly. The construction process takes two months and creates serious traffic issues for the commuters in that area of town.

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Positive Externality ; 2. Negative Externality ; 3. Positive Externality.

Explanation:

Externalities are benefits or harms to other parties , without payment received or made for them respectively.

Positive Externalities : Externalities positively effecting others. Eg-Education

Negative Externalities : Externalities positively effecting others . Eg-Pollution.

1. Bridal Shop's signage facelift creates benefit for other strip mall businesses also (better business visibility), without former receiving money & latter paying money.

2. Local church celebration creates benefit for all attendants (recreational benefit) ,without former receiving money & latter paying money.

3. Local School bus ramp construction creates harm for commuters of that area (traffic inconvenience) , without former paying money & latter receiving money