Abstract
Search theory analyses resource allocation with imperfect technologies for informing agents of trading opportunities and for bringing together potential traders. This article examines some search theory analyses using a variety of special allocation mechanisms together with very simple preferences and production technologies. It explores models where information is gathered from visiting stores, and then looks at the changes that come from additional devices for information spread. It examines price setting both on a take-it-or-leave-it basis and resulting from idealized negotiations. While the presentation is in terms of a retail market, a similar approach has been useful in labour economics.
This chapter was originally published in The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics, 2nd edition, 2008. Edited by Steven N. Durlauf and Lawrence E. Blume
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Bibliography
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Diamond, P. (2008). Search Theory. In: The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1535-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1535-2
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-95121-5
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Chapter history
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Latest
Search Theory- Published:
- 13 March 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1535-2
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Original
Search Theory- Published:
- 29 November 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95121-5_1535-1