Economics Insights @ CBS

Interpersonal communication in marketing is approached from a perspective that focuses on communication signs. A classification scheme is presented and relevant literature surveyed. Directions for future research are suggested.

In the study of consumer behavior, economics and marketing may perhaps seem headed on divergent paths. Economics models of man typically appear deterministic, while marketing models of man often are stochastic. This article links the microeconomic theory of demand (in a oligopoly situation) to a simple stochastic model of consumer behavior and, with data for one product, compares the empirical success of that model with those of various other models found in the literature.

The degeneration of orderly relationships between city governments and their employees seriously complicates the nature of government and democracy in urban America. While most cities have not yet experienced major minimal labor breakdowns, most city governments do suffer from seemingly chronic conditions, like inadequate revenues and spiraling costs, which easily can serve as catalysts for municipal labor crises. Data show that serious labor relations problems are no longer limited to a few unfortunate cities like New York, the subject of this study.