The degree of monopoly power is to be measured in terms of the firm's...
Supernormal profit is also called economic profit, and abnormal profit, and is earned when total revenue is greater than the total costs. Total costs include a reward to all the factors, including normal profit.
The degree of monopoly power is to be measured in terms of the firm's...
Measurement of Monopoly Power
Monopoly power refers to the ability of a firm to set prices above the competitive level and restrict output. In order to measure the degree of monopoly power, one needs to look at the firm's ability to earn supernormal profits.
Supernormal Profit
Supernormal profit is the excess profit earned by a firm over and above normal profit. Normal profit is the minimum level of profit required to keep a firm in operation, covering all costs including opportunity costs. When a firm earns supernormal profit, it indicates that the firm has monopoly power in the market.
Measurement
By looking at the amount of supernormal profit a firm is earning, one can gauge the degree of monopoly power. The higher the supernormal profit, the greater the monopoly power of the firm. This is because in a competitive market, firms would only earn normal profit due to the presence of perfect competition driving prices down to the cost of production.
Conclusion
Therefore, the degree of monopoly power is measured in terms of the firm's ability to earn supernormal profit. This indicates the firm's ability to set prices above the competitive level and restrict output, highlighting its market power and dominance.