Information asymmetry happens when buyers and sellers have different levels of information, leading to adverse selection in the market. Adverse selection occurs when one party, either the buyer or the seller, has hidden information about the product and makes buying or selling decisions based on that information. For example, in the used car market, buyers cannot know everything about the cars and cannot fully trust them. Because of this, they often try to buy used cars at lower prices to evaluate their quality. To make buyers feel more confident, sellers might promise to repair the car free of charge if it breaks within a year after purchase, protecting themselves against adverse selection. A successful transaction depends on strategies that align with the market’s specific characteristics. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Founded in 1991, the American craft beer company, New Belgium Brewing Company, is unique because its employees hold all the shares. Since 1996, the founding couples have distributed 10% of their shares to employees annually as incentives, and they have now completely transformed the company into an employee-owned entity. Currently, the founders hold no shares in the company. Furthermore, all employees receive financial training to enhance their management mindset. Training in financial statements, which includes everyone from minor clerks to executives, is standard practice for the company. Running a company without the ability to read financial statements is like signing a contract without understanding the terms. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”