Simple Reputation Systems
University of Copenhagen, Dept. of Economics Discussion Paper No. 05-21
22 Pages Posted: 15 Sep 2005
Date Written: November 2005
Abstract
This paper develops a model of simple 'reputation systems' that monitor and publish information about the behavior of sellers in a market with search frictions and asymmetric information. The reputations created by these systems influence the equilibrium search investments of buyers and thus provide for market-based 'punishment' of bad behavior. Our model allows us to determine the effects of the introduction of a reputation system on the behavior and welfare of buyers and sellers in such a market. We show that a simple reputation system that rewards honesty can enhance welfare by allowing good sellers to truthfully signal their type. However, we also show that the same reputation system can delay the creation of such information if bad sellers mimic the signalling strategy of good sellers. In this case, we show that an alternative simple reputation system that screens for type can be superior.
Keywords: reputation, asymmetric information, competing auctions
JEL Classification: D82, D83
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
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