IGCSE Economics Unit 3 Key Terms
A firm may experience internal diseconomies of scale when it becomes too large, leading to inefficiencies such as bureaucratic inertia or communication breakdowns . External diseconomies can occur when an industry grows too large, causing factors like resource shortages or overcrowded infrastructure. To mitigate these effects, firms can streamline operations, decentralize decision-making processes, and invest in technology to manage internal inefficiencies. For external diseconomies, advocating for infrastructure development and engaging in strategic partnerships can help alleviate industry-level constraints .
Wage factors impact job choice through monetary compensation, affecting individuals' lifestyle and savings potential . Non-wage factors, such as work-life balance, job security, and organizational culture, play a critical role in determining job satisfaction and long-term career commitment. These factors influence labor market mobility, as workers may forego higher wages for better non-wage benefits or vice versa. The interplay between wage and non-wage factors can lead to labor market segmentation, where workers prioritize different attributes based on their personal circumstances, potentially affecting overall economic productivity and workforce distribution .
Trade unions advocate for fair labor practices by representing workers' interests in negotiations with employers, striving for better wages, working conditions, and benefits . They can help in reducing wage inequality and improving workplace safety. However, unions may also lead to adversarial industrial relations, especially if negotiations become contentious or lead to strikes. The presence of unions can thus facilitate structured dialogue and conflict resolution, promoting industrial peace, but can also complicate employer-worker relations if parties adopt rigid stances, potentially affecting productivity and economic growth .
Collective bargaining can lead to better wage outcomes and improved working conditions by enabling workers to negotiate as a unified group with employers, thus increasing their bargaining power . In sectors where unions are strong, wages and benefits tend to be higher, reducing income inequality. However, this can also lead to increased labor costs for employers, potentially reducing competitiveness or leading to higher consumer prices. Economically, it may shift income distribution without necessarily increasing total economic output, affecting economic efficiency and allocation of resources .
Central banks acting as lenders of last resort can stabilize financial systems during crises by providing liquidity to banks that are temporarily short of cash, preventing bank runs and sustaining operations. This role helps maintain confidence in the banking system and prevents systemic failures that could lead to economic downturns . However, there is a risk of moral hazard, where banks may engage in riskier behaviors, expecting bailouts in times of trouble.
Public corporations, owned by the government, are designed to serve the public interest by providing essential services without a primary focus on profitability, which can ensure accessibility and affordability . However, they may suffer from bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack the competitive drive of private markets. Private limited companies, being privately owned, can be more flexible and profit-driven, often resulting in more innovative and efficient operations. Yet, they may face more scrutiny regarding shareholder interests and can suffer from limited access to capital compared to public companies, which can sell shares on the open market .
The 'store of value' function of money allows it to be held over time without depreciating in nominal terms, which means people can save money and use it for future transactions or investments. This function ensures that money retains its value over time, providing individuals with the ability to defer consumption until a later date . Without this attribute, money would not be reliable for savings or investments, limiting its effectiveness as a medium of exchange and a unit of account.
Internal economies of scale occur when a firm grows and its costs per unit fall due to operational efficiencies within the firm, such as improved technology or managerial expertise . External economies of scale, on the other hand, arise when the entire industry grows, leading to cost reductions due to factors like improved infrastructure or supplier networks. These differences mean that firms focusing on internal economies can invest in technology and management, while those looking at external economies might advocate for industry-wide growth or collaborate with other firms to influence the external environment .
A central bank is government-owned and oversees the banking system's stability, regulates monetary policy, and acts as a lender of last resort, ensuring liquidity in financial markets . In contrast, commercial banks are primarily profit-driven entities that provide financial services like savings accounts, loans, and payment services to individuals and businesses. While the central bank manages national monetary policy and regulatory frameworks, commercial banks operate under these frameworks to serve the financial needs of the public . The relationship between them ensures the smooth functioning of the economy, with the central bank establishing the regulatory environment and commercial banks executing financial services.
The 'measure of value' function of money allows it to serve as a standard benchmark for valuing goods and services, facilitating trade and economic transactions . It enables consumers and producers to compare prices and make informed decisions based on relative value, thereby aiding in resource allocation and market efficiency. This function is crucial for establishing a common ground for financial reporting and budgeting, helping maintain consistency and transparency across the economy .


