THE INVISIBLE HAND OF PIRACY: AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION-GOODS SUPPLY CHAIN

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Kim, Antino; Lahiri, Atanu; Dey, Debabrata
• 署名单位: Indiana University System; Indiana University Bloomington; IU Kelley School of Business; University of Texas System; University of Texas Dallas; University of Washington; University of Washington Seattle
• 刊物名称: MIS QUARTERLY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0276-7783
• DOI: 10.25300/MISQ/2018/14798
• 发表日期: 2018
• 页码: 1117-+
• 关键词: digital experience goods; software piracy; strategies; COORDINATION; sales

摘要

In this paper, we study the economic impact of piracy on the supply chain of information goods. When information goods are sold to consumers via a retailer, in certain situations, a moderate level of piracy seems to have a surprising positive impact on the profits of the manufacturer and the retailer while, at the same time, enhancing consumer welfare. Such a win-win-win situation is not only good for the supply chain, but is also beneficial for the overall economy. The economic rationale for this surprising result is rooted in how piracy interacts with double marginalization. We explain this rationale and develop useful insights for management and policy.