Multiple-product firms and product switching

Bernard, Andrew B., Redding, Stephen and Schott, Peter K. (2010) Multiple-product firms and product switching. American Economic Review, 100 (1). pp. 70-97. ISSN 0002-8282

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Abstract

This paper examines the frequency, pervasiveness, and determinants of product switching by US manufacturing firms. We find that one-half of firms alter their mix of five-digit SIC products every five years, that product switching is correlated with both firm- and firm-product attributes, and that product adding and dropping induce large changes in firm scope. The behavior we observe is consistent with a natural generalization of existing theories of industry dynamics that incorporates endogenous product selection within firms. Our findings suggest that product switching contributes to a reallocation of resources within firms toward their most efficient use

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://www.aeaweb.org/aer/index.php
Additional Information:	© 2010 AEA
Divisions:	Centre for Economic Performance Economics
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
JEL classification:	L - Industrial Organization > L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior > L25 - Firm Performance: Size, Diversification and Scope, Age, Profit, and Sales L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L60 - General L - Industrial Organization > L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance > L11 - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms L - Industrial Organization > L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior > L21 - Business Objectives of the Firm
Date Deposited:	02 May 2010 12:25
Last Modified:	12 Apr 2024 20:54
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/27861

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