The Theory of Monopoly: A Case Study of Amazon in the E-commerce Industry
1. Company Selection
I have chosen Amazon, a company often referred to as a monopoly in the e-commerce industry. While Amazon competes in various sectors, I will focus on its dominance in the online retail market.
2. Theory of Monopoly
In our chapter, a pure monopoly forms when a single firm is the sole producer of a product with no close substitutes and significant barriers to entry prevent other firms from entering the market. The two types of monopoly discussed are natural monopolies, where one firm can produce at a lower cost than multiple firms due to economies of scale, and artificial monopolies, which arise from government regulations or patents granting exclusive rights. The theory predicts that in a monopoly market, the price is higher and the quantity produced is lower compared to perfect competition due to the firm’s market power to set prices without competition.
3. Resemblance to Monopoly Theory
Amazon’s position in the e-commerce industry exhibits characteristics of a monopoly firm as outlined in our chapter. Amazon holds a significant market share in online retail, allowing it to wield substantial market power. The company’s vast network, efficient logistics, and brand recognition contribute to barriers that deter potential competitors from entering the market, resembling the concept of barriers to entry in monopoly theory.
Moreover, Amazon’s ability to influence prices and control the online retail landscape aligns with the prediction of higher prices and lower quantities in a monopoly market compared to perfect competition. The company’s dominance has led to concerns about anti-competitive practices and its impact on smaller retailers, reflecting the implications of market power associated with a monopoly firm.
While Amazon may not fit the traditional definition of a pure monopoly due to some competition in the e-commerce space, its unparalleled market position and influence demonstrate similarities to the theoretical framework of a monopoly outlined in our chapter. The company’s strategic practices and market dominance showcase elements of monopolistic behavior that have raised questions about its impact on competition and consumer welfare within the e-commerce industry.