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n the story of New England Wire and Cable, the company was in an unusual situati

ID: 2757128 • Letter: N

Question

n the story of New England Wire and Cable, the company was in an unusual situation of being worth more dead than alive. What economic principle was violated when Larry Garfield tried to get control of the firm, break it up, sell the assets, and make a profit?

Diminishing marginal return

Diminishing marginal utility of wealth

Non-positive marginal utility of wealth

Externalities

The law of one price

a.

Diminishing marginal return

b.

Diminishing marginal utility of wealth

c.

Non-positive marginal utility of wealth

d.

Externalities

e.

The law of one price

Explanation / Answer

Solution.

Externalities

Externalities pose fundamental economic policy problems when individuals, households, and firms do not internalize the indirect costs of or the benefits from their economic transactions. The resulting wedges between social and private costs or returns lead to inefficient market outcomes. In some circumstances, they may prevent markets from emerging. Although there is room for market-based corrective solutions, government intervention is often required to ensure that benefits and costs are fully internalized.