Economic Assumptions
Overview
Basic economic models assume that consumers always buy whatever gives them the most satisfaction for their money, and that businesses always chase the largest possible profit. Real shoppers, though, often buy the same brand out of habit rather than comparing every option, and real managers sometimes chase growth, reputation, or an easy life instead of squeezing out every last cent of profit.
In this lesson you will look at the two founding assumptions behind most of economics, that consumers maximise benefit and producers maximise profit, and then examine why real behaviour so often departs from the tidy theory: what stops consumers acting in their own best interest, and what pulls a business away from pure profit-seeking.
Objectives
- The underlying assumptions that consumers aim to maximise their benefit and businesses aim to maximise their profit
- Reasons why consumers may not maximise their benefit: consumers are not always good at calculating their benefits, consumers have habits that are hard to give up, consumers sometimes copy others' behaviour
- Reasons why producers may not maximise their profit: producers may have managers that revenue maximise or sales maximise, producers may prioritise caring for customers, producers may complete charitable work
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Economic Assumptions. Now that you've explored the key concepts and ideas, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following is a basic assumption of most economic models? A) Governments always run a balanced budget B) Consumers aim to maximise their benefit C) Firms always minimise output D) Prices never change Answer: B
- A consumer continues to buy the same brand of tea out of routine, even though a cheaper brand offers similar satisfaction. This best illustrates: A) Herding B) Poor calculation of benefit C) Habitual behaviour D) Profit maximisation Answer: C
- A business manager chases higher sales revenue rather than higher profit because their bonus is linked to sales. This is an example of: A) Cost-benefit analysis B) A rational decision by the firm's owners C) Managers pursuing objectives that differ from the owners' profit goal D) Perfect competition Answer: C
- Net benefit is calculated as: A) Total cost minus total benefit B) Total benefit minus total cost C) Total revenue minus total cost D) Total benefit divided by total cost Answer: B
- A firm accepts a lower profit margin in order to pay above the market rate for ethically sourced materials. This is best explained by which reason for not maximising profit? A) Poor calculation B) Herding C) Prioritising ethical or charitable objectives D) Consumer inertia Answer: C
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Recommended Books
Further learning from open sources
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Textbook section
How Changes in Income and Prices Affect Consumption Choices
Explain how income, prices, and preferences affect consumer choices
"Principles of Economics 2e: How Changes in Income and Prices Affect Consumption Choices" by OpenStax, OpenStax, Rice University, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: https://openstax.org/books/principles-economics-2e/pages/6-2-how-changes-in-income-and-prices-affect-consumption-choices. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/principles-economics-2e/pages/1-introduction
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Textbook section
Behavioral Economics: An Alternative Framework for Consumer Choice
Evaluate the reasons for making intertemporal choices
"Principles of Economics 2e: Behavioral Economics: An Alternative Framework for Consumer Choice" by OpenStax, OpenStax, Rice University, licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Source: https://openstax.org/books/principles-economics-2e/pages/6-3-behavioral-economics-an-alternative-framework-for-consumer-choice. Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/principles-economics-2e/pages/1-introduction
Published by other organisations under open licences, credited as they ask. Links open their websites.
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