Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: II and III are implicit
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Announcing a penalty is a behavioural nudge to improve on-time payments. The core assumptions relate to information reaching consumers and altering their incentives—not necessarily to full financial compensation for delays.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
For the notice to be effective, (a) consumers must read it, and (b) enough consumers must change behaviour to avoid the penalty. Whether penalty revenue exactly offsets carrying-cost losses is not essential to justify the policy; deterrence can be sufficient.
Step-by-Step Solution:
I: Compensation of losses is a possible side-effect but not necessary; even if penalties don’t fully compensate, deterrence still improves cash flow. Not implicit.II: Communication reach is necessary—if no one reads the notice, the deterrent fails. Implicit.III: The intended behavioural response (more on-time payers) must be presumed for the policy to be worthwhile. Implicit.
Verification / Alternative check:
Nudge policies assume awareness and elastic behaviour to costs. Revenue-neutrality is not a prerequisite.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Including I overstates the financial aim; “All/None/Only II” misclassify the dual necessity of visibility and behavioural response.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing deterrent design with revenue-maximisation; overlooking the information channel.
Final Answer:
II and III are implicit.
Discussion & Comments