Free Rider Problem – Explanation, Solutions and Examples

What is the Free Rider Problem?

The free-rider problem is when individuals who profit from shared resources, common pool resources, or public goods either do not pay for them or pay less than their fair share, leading to market failure. The traditional free market system has failed when individuals engage in free riding. “Tragedy of the Commons” also describes a scenario in which commonly shared resources are excessively consumed, creating a free-rider issue.

An example of a free rider problem can be found in public transportation systems. In some cities, many citizens only buy tickets and ride buses and trains if they pay, which can lead to system overcrowding. This can result in a lack of revenue for the transportation system company, leading to higher fares and poorer service quality.

Key Takeaways

• The free-rider dilemma occurs when individuals gain from shared resources without paying their fair part, resulting in market failure.
• The “Tragedy of the Commons” emphasizes how common resources are overutilized when available, worsening the free-rider problem.
• In public transportation, the free-rider problem can lead to overcrowding, lost revenue, increased fares, and lower service quality.

Explanation of a Free Rider Problem

The free-rider problem occurs when some people or groups use a public asset or shared resource without paying their fair share. Thus, overuse or degradation of the common pool resource may occur. Studies show that too many free riders can decrease cooperation, worsening the problem. People are naturally cooperative.

Free riders receive public goods like national defense, security or clean air without paying. Market failure may result since service providers need higher compensation for their time and resources. Thus, they may have to lower service quality or discontinue offering them.

Thus, the Free Rider Problem affects many economic sectors and might cause market failure. This problem lowers public service quality and raises expenses for payers. Individuals may prevent free-riding in their communities and enterprises by recognizing it and its effects.

The Free Rider Problem should concern governments, corporations, and individuals. Public goods benefits must be appropriately shared among all stakeholders. This can boost the economy and prosperity for all.

When the Free Rider Problem Occurs

Free rider problems occur when the collective benefit of an organization, such as a company, does not match the individual costs associated with that benefit. The economics concept of the free rider problem arises in specific scenarios –

• When a resource can be consumed by anyone without restrictions.
• When no entity has the power to control or limit resource usage.
• When an individual or group is responsible for producing and managing the resource.

For example, if one person pays taxes while their colleagues do not contribute to the collective action, they may bear more costs than others and are considered free riders. This can lead to market failure as the costs of collective action are unequal among all stakeholders.

Private companies may also be affected by free riders, particularly if their competitors are not paying taxes or contributing to collective action in any way. As a result, these companies may be forced to pay higher taxes and face increased competition to stay competitive.

The impacts of free riding can be wide-ranging. They may include decreased public service quality, increased costs for those who contribute to collective action, and ultimately, market failure if the problem is unchecked.

Why Are People Free Riders?

People may be free riders because they require additional resources or knowledge to contribute. They rely on the collective action of others, which could benefit everyone involved.

In some circumstances, people may intentionally try to manipulate a system by failing to contribute their fair share. The prisoner’s dilemma theory can help you comprehend why certain people are tempted to free-ride.

According to the concept, when there is a collective action, each individual might choose to participate or defect. If they cooperate and provide their fair share of marginal cost, everyone will benefit. However, if they defect and free-ride, taking advantage of the system may be appealing because they will not have to contribute anything.

The scenario involves a thought experiment game theory in which two rational agents might collaborate for mutual benefit or betray one another for personal gain. William Poundstone’s 1993 book Prisoner’s Dilemma described the modern version of the game widely utilized today.

In this scenario, two members of a criminal organization, imprisoned and separated, must decide whether to confess, remain silent, or testify against the other.

If both agents cooperate, they will profit from not having to testify against each other and suffer a lighter punishment. However, if one defected and ratted out the other, he could profit while the other lost more.

A similar concept can be used for the free-rider problem, in which individuals are enticed to deviate from collective action and free-ride on the system.

Solutions to the Free-Riding Problem

1. Privatize public goods: The first solution to the free-riding problem is to privatize public goods by assigning property rights. This would encourage people to invest in a project or effort since they would benefit from it directly or indirectly. This is a viable solution when public goods are limited and can be assigned to individual private interests.

2. Establish Penalties: Another solution is to impose penalties on those who choose to defect from the collective action. This would discourage people from taking advantage of the system as they would have to pay a price for their actions.

3. Appeal to altruism:  The third solution is to appeal to people’s generous nature and encourage them to cooperate. This could be done through campaigns and education emphasizing the importance of collective action for the good of everyone.

Doing so would create a sense of unity and shared responsibility among people. This will compel all members to pay the cost equally.

4. Incentivise contributions: Another solution is to incentivize contributions. This could be done through rewards, such as vouchers, for those who contribute significantly to the collective action. This incentive would encourage people to cooperate and offer resources or time to help the collective action.

5. Taxation: The last solution is taxation. This would provide the necessary funding to support collective action and help reduce the burden on those already contributing. It would also encourage those who are not contributing to contribute and pay taxes, as their taxes would go toward the collective action that benefits them.

Examples of the Free Rider Problem

Some of the examples of the free rider problem that we can see in our everyday life are –

1. The use of public services like roads and highways without paying taxes

When some people use these public services without paying taxes, it becomes a free-rider problem as they are taking advantage of the system by not contributing.

2. Sailors using a lighthouse of a country

Sailors who take advantage of the lighthouses without contributing anything to its cost are said to be free-riding on the system.

3. Taking advantage of public goods like parks, libraries, and other recreational facilities

People who take advantage of these public goods without paying taxes or fees do not contribute anything to the maintenance and upkeep of these facilities, resulting in a free-rider problem.

4. Taking advantage of Group Discounts

When some people use the group discounts offered by stores without paying their fair share, it creates a free-rider problem.

5. Using water treatment plants without paying the required fees

Those who use water treatment plants without paying the necessary fees or taxes take advantage of the system without contributing.

Conclusion!

The free rider problem is a critical political and economic theory highlighting how the collective interest may become neglected when individuals act based on self-interest. It is essential to recognize the free rider problem so that collective action can be taken to ensure that everyone contributes equally and costs are distributed equally.

It is also essential for the government to ensure that a collective resource is managed responsibly and efficiently so everyone benefits.

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