|
|
GOVERNMENT SECTOR: The basic macroeconomic sector that includes all levels of government, including federal, state, and local. The primary function of the government sector is to force resource allocation decisions that might not otherwise be made by the rest of the economy. This is one of four macroeconomic sectors. The other three are household sector, business sector, and foreign sector.
Visit the GLOSS*arama
|
|
|
|
                           INVISIBLE HAND: The notion that buyers and sellers, consumers and producers, households and businesses, by pursuing their own self-interests do what is best for the economy automatically without any government intervention, as if guided by an invisible hand. The invisible hand is an essential component of the economic analysis of markets developed by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations. It continues to be a cornerstone of more conservative economic policies that call for limits on government intervention in the economy.How Does It Work?The logic of the invisible hand is best illustrated through market competition among buyers and sellers. On the demand side of a market, "selfish" buyers seek to obtain the most output at the lowest price. On the supply side of a market, "selfish" sellers seek to obtain the highest price for the least output. Both sides are guided by the "selfish" goal of getting the most and giving up the least.Competition among buyers and sellers generates equilibrium and results in equality between the maximum demand price that buyers are willing to pay and minimum supply price that sellers are willing to accept. When the demand price and the supply price are equal, the market is efficient. When markets throughout the economy are efficient, there is an efficient allocation of resources. The invisible hand of market forces is thus guiding the economy to economic efficiency without the need for government intervention. A Few QualificationsThe invisible hand of competition does tend to move markets and the economy toward efficiency, it is very effective, unless it encounters roadblocks along the way. The primary roadblocks come under the heading of market failures. They include: (1) goods that are characterized by nonrival consumption and/or problems excluding nonpayers from consumption, (2) limited competition and market control by either buyers or sellers, (3) external costs or benefits that are not reflected in demand price or supply price, or (4) limited or imperfect information about the product or market transaction by either buyer sellers.In each of these cases, the invisible hand of the market does not achieve efficiency without government intervention. A Word About PoliticsThe invisible hand notion has long been a rallying cry for those who favor little or no government intervention in the economy. The logic is relatively clear--if the markets and the economy can achieve efficiency without actions by government, then government actions are not needed to achieve efficiency.Political conservatives, who champion limited government intervention, tend to embrace the invisible hand notion a great deal more than political liberals, who promote activity government intervention.
Recommended Citation:INVISIBLE HAND, AmosWEB Encyclonomic WEB*pedia, http://www.AmosWEB.com, AmosWEB LLC, 2000-2024. [Accessed: October 30, 2024].
Check Out These Related Terms... | | | | |
Or For A Little Background... | | | | | | | |
And For Further Study... | | | | | | | | | |
Search Again?
Back to the WEB*pedia
|
|
|
WHITE GULLIBON
[What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time strolling around a discount warehouse buying club seeking to buy either a black duffle bag with velcro closures or any book written by Isaac Asimov. Be on the lookout for the happiest person in the room.
Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
|
|
|
The earliest known use of paper currency was about 1270 in China during the rule of Kubla Khan.
|
|
|
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. " -- Albert Einstein, physicist
|
|
DRR
Discounted Rate of Return
|
|
|
Tell us what you think about AmosWEB. Like what you see? Have suggestions for improvements? Let us know. Click the User Feedback link.
User Feedback
|
|
