Opportunism

Background

Opportunism in economics refers to the behavior of negotiating parties where one attempts to change the terms of an agreement in their favor after the other party has already committed resources. This behavior can disrupt mutual trust and fair dealings, and can potentially lead to inefficiencies and decreased economic welfare.

Historical Context

Historically, the concept of opportunism has been studied extensively in the context of transaction cost economics (TCE) and industrial organization. Notable economist Oliver Williamson emphasized its role in economic transactions, highlighting how it can lead to “hold-up” problems—a situation where one party exploits the other’s commitment to derive additional benefits.

Definitions and Concepts

Opportunism is characterized by self-interest with deceit, guile, or strategic manipulation. This can manifest in numerous ways in economic transactions, particularly when:

• One party attempts to renegotiate the terms of an already-agreed bargain.
• There’s an imbalance of power or information that one party uses to its advantage after the other party’s irrevocable investment.

Major Analytical Frameworks

Classical Economics

In classical economics, opportunism was less explicitly discussed, with a general assumption of fair dealings and contracts based on trust and mutual benefit.

Neoclassical Economics

Neoclassical economics recognizes the presence of opportunistic behavior but often assumes rational individuals who maximize utility in competitive markets, potentially overlooking real-world negotiation complexities.

Keynesian Economics

Keynesian economics, with its focus on aggregate demand and the role of government, does not extensively examine transaction-specific behaviors like opportunism at the micro level.

Marxian Economics

In Marxian economic theory, opportunism can be seen in the context of capital-labor relationships where capitalists might act opportunistically to exploit labor for higher profit margins, reinforcing class struggles.

Institutional Economics

Behavioral Economics

Behavioral economics investigates situational factors and psychological theories behind opportunistic behavior, emphasizing dishonest behavior not adequately addressed by traditional rational models.

Post-Keynesian Economics

Post-Keynesian economics incorporates elements of uncertainty and non-rational behavior into analyses and can provide deeper insights into why opportunism may occur and its broader economic implications.

Austrian Economics

Development Economics

Monetarism

Comparative Analysis

Comparing opportunism across frameworks reveals differential focus and solution approaches. While classical and neoclassical models often assume low relevancy due to ideal market conditions, institutional and behavioral economics provide deeper analyses incorporating heterogeneity and real psychological and situational behaviors. Furthermore, Marxian critique brings to light structurally embedded forms of opportunism within capitalist frameworks.

Case Studies

1. Hold-Up Problem in Supply Chains: A frequently cited instance is a supply chain where a supplier has invested heavily in specialized equipment post an order commitment, facing renegotiation attempts from buyers.

2. Rent-Seeking in Public Sectors: Opportunistic behaviors are evident where businesses and individuals exploit opportunities to gain favorable economic rents from public officials post-contract signing.

3. Tech Industry Partnerships: Joint ventures in the tech industry show opportunism where strategic resource commitments—you can’t claw back investments without bargaining term renegotiations.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. The Economic Institutions of Capitalism by Oliver Williamson
2. Contract Theory by Patrick Bolton and Mathias Dewatripont
3. Fundamentals of Industrial Organization by Martin B. Schmidt

Related Terms with Definitions

• Hold-Up Problem: Occurs when one party in a transaction exploits their position post-investment by the other party.
• Sunk Costs: Irrecoverable costs already incurred, pivotal in discussing opportunism as leverage points.
• Transaction Cost Economics: Analyzes transactions beyond price, including the costs incurred from negotiating and monitoring deals which opportunism affects.