Which of the following statements is true?
a. The lower transaction costs are, the more likely individuals will solve negative
externality problems through a voluntary exchange.
b. The higher transaction costs are, the more likely individuals will solve negative
externality problems through a voluntary exchange.
c. Coase agrees with Pigou that taxing those activities associated with negative
externalities is a good idea.
d. a and c
e. none of the above
In a perfectly competitive industry, do higher wages for labor union members diminish
profits?
a. Yes, in the short run, but not in the long run in which some firms exit the industry
because of higher costs.
b. Yes, in the long run, but not in the short run because profits are always fixed in the
short run.
c. No, higher wage costs can affect profits only if they affect labor productivity and this
doesn’t happen.
d. No, because higher labor costs usually bring more firms into the industry and this
effect dampens price rises.