Question

Discuss the differences between the short run equilibrium and long run equilibrium from the perspective of producers and from the perspective of consumers. Why do you think it is important for managers to understand the mechanics of supply and demand in the short run and in the long run? Give an example of a company whose business was either helped or hurt by changes in supply or demand in the markets in which they were competing

Answer 1

Answer:

In the long-run, the economy tends to favor consumers more than it favors producers.

Explanation:

This is because, in competitive market structures, firms earn economic profit only in the short-run, but in the long-run, this economic profit either disappears, or decreases substantially, because the structure of the market itself provides incentive for a dynamic flux of firms in and out of the industry, and economic profit moves along that flux: it goes up when the number of firm in the industry goes down, and it goes down when the number of firms in the industry goes up.

Managers should understand these dynamics in order to be able to forecast trends and act accordingly, mainly by developing corporate strategy that tackle the forecasted scenarios.

Finally, an example of a business affected by a fall in demand is airline companies. The airline market is very competitive even if it is dominated by a few firms due to very high barriers to entry and exit. Airline companies are constantly pressured to offer lower prices, while costs do not necessarily fall at the same rate. The recent demand shock due to the current pandemic has left most airlines in a dire condition, using up past reserves to operate, and frequently in need of government assistance.