Price Mechanism
Price mechanism, also known as market mechanism, is a type of economic system that sets prices of goods and services through the forces of demand and supply. This system forms a primary basis of most popular economic systems that are in place today such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies. The price mechanism allows the market to efficiently allocate resources and balance supply and demand.
The primary determinant of prices in a price mechanism system is supply and demand. If demand is high and supply is low, then prices will go up. On the other hand, if demand is low and supply is high, then prices will tend to go down. Other factors, such as production costs and market saturation, can also affect the price of goods and services. However, the primary factors that drive prices in the price mechanism system are the forces of demand and supply.
The price mechanism functions on the basis of free competition. All participants in the market are free to enter, establish businesses, and set prices for the goods and services they offer. Prices are determined by buyers and sellers reaching some sort of an agreement as development and supply of products and services change. For this agreement to be achieved, producers must compete with each other by offering the best price and quality.
A key advantage of the price mechanism system is that it ensures maximum efficiency from all economic players. Since the system is based on competition, it encourages market participants to produce goods and services in the most efficient manner possible. This helps to keep production costs low, increase productivity, and enhance the effectiveness of resources.
The price mechanism system is also helpful in controlling inflation levels. When the demand for goods and services rises above what is available, prices will also increase. This discourages consumers from buying and reduces the overall demand. This helps to keep inflation under control and at an acceptable level.
However, the price mechanism system is not without its drawbacks. For example, it can lead to market power, where certain companies have the ability to raise prices too high and suppress the competition. In addition, the price mechanism system can exclude certain groups from entering the market due to financial constraints.
In conclusion, the price mechanism system is a type of economic system that determines prices of goods and services through the forces of demand and supply. It encourages free competition, ensuring maximum efficiency from all economic participants. While the system does have some drawbacks, its advantages outweigh the disadvantages, making it an effective and efficient way of allocating resources.