Customer‐Driven Misconduct: How Competition Corrupts Business Practices

Customer‐Driven Misconduct: How Competition Corrupts Business Practices

0.00 Avg rating0 Votes
Article ID: iaor20135271
Volume: 59
Issue: 8
Start Page Number: 1725
End Page Number: 1742
Publication Date: Aug 2013
Journal: Management Science
Authors: , , ,
Keywords: competitive strategy, ethics, emissions, regulation
Abstract:

Competition among firms yields many benefits but can also encourage firms to engage in corrupt or unethical activities. We argue that competition can lead organizations to provide services that customers demand but that violate government regulations, especially when price competition is restricted. Using 28 million vehicle emissions tests from more than 11,000 facilities, we show that increased competition is associated with greater inspection leniency, a service quality attribute that customers value but is illegal and socially costly. Firms with more competitors pass customer vehicles at higher rates and are more likely to lose customers whom they fail, suggesting that competition intensifies pressure on facilities to provide illegal leniency. We also show that, at least in markets in which pricing is restricted, firms use corrupt and unethical practices as an entry strategy.

Reviews

Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published.