Command Economy: Definition How It Works and Characteristics

What is a Command Economy?

Unlike a market economy, where decisions are made by individuals and businesses based on supply and demand, a command economy relies on central planning. The government sets production targets, allocates resources, and determines prices.

Command economies are often associated with socialist or communist countries, where the government aims to achieve equality and social welfare. The idea behind a command economy is that the government can make decisions that are in the best interest of the entire society, rather than allowing individuals and businesses to make decisions based on their own self-interest.

However, command economies have been criticized for their lack of efficiency and innovation. Without competition and market forces, there is less incentive for businesses to improve productivity and develop new technologies. This can lead to shortages, surpluses, and a lack of consumer choice.

Definition and Explanation

A command economy is an economic system in which the government has complete control over the allocation of resources and the production of goods and services. In a command economy, the government determines what goods and services will be produced, how they will be produced, and how they will be distributed.

One of the main characteristics of a command economy is the absence of private ownership of resources and means of production. Instead, all resources are owned and controlled by the state. This allows the government to direct resources towards its own priorities and goals.

Command economies are often associated with socialist or communist political systems, where the government aims to achieve social and economic equality. The government’s control over the economy is intended to ensure that resources are distributed in a way that benefits the entire society, rather than just a few individuals or companies.

However, command economies have been criticized for their lack of efficiency and innovation. Because the government makes all economic decisions, there is often a lack of competition and incentive for individuals and businesses to innovate and improve efficiency. This can lead to inefficiencies, shortages, and a lack of consumer choice.

How Does a Command Economy Work?

In a command economy, the government has complete control over the allocation of resources and the production of goods and services. The government determines what goods will be produced, how much will be produced, and who will receive them. This is in contrast to a market economy, where these decisions are made by individuals and businesses based on supply and demand.

Central Planning

One of the key features of a command economy is central planning. The government creates a central plan that outlines the production targets for different industries and sectors of the economy. This plan is typically created by a central planning authority, such as a government agency or a central planning committee.

The central plan sets production quotas for each industry, specifying the quantity of goods that should be produced within a given time period. These quotas are often set based on the government’s priorities and goals, such as promoting industrialization, achieving self-sufficiency, or ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

State Ownership

In a command economy, the government also exercises control over the means of production. This means that the state owns and operates key industries and enterprises, such as factories, mines, and utilities. The government may also control the distribution and pricing of goods and services.

Allocation of Resources

In a command economy, the government determines how resources are allocated. This includes decisions about what resources will be used for production, how they will be allocated among different industries, and how they will be distributed among the population.

The government may use a variety of mechanisms to allocate resources, such as central planning, administrative directives, and price controls. It may also use incentives and penalties to encourage or discourage certain behaviors, such as providing subsidies for desired industries or imposing taxes on undesirable activities.

Advantages of a Command Economy	Disadvantages of a Command Economy
– Ability to prioritize social welfare	– Lack of individual freedom and choice
– Potential for rapid industrialization	– Inefficiency and lack of innovation
– Equitable distribution of resources	– Centralized decision-making can lead to errors

Characteristics and Examples

A command economy is characterized by several key features:

Centralized Planning	In a command economy, the government or a central authority makes all the economic decisions. This includes determining what goods and services will be produced, how much will be produced, and at what prices they will be sold. The government also decides how resources will be allocated and distributed.
Lack of Individual Freedom	In a command economy, individuals have limited economic freedom. They do not have the freedom to start their own businesses or make independent economic decisions. The government controls all aspects of the economy, including employment, wages, and prices.
State Ownership	In a command economy, the government owns and controls most of the means of production, such as factories, land, and resources. Private ownership is limited, and the government may nationalize industries and businesses.
Income Equality	One of the goals of a command economy is to achieve income equality. The government redistributes wealth and resources to ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities and a relatively equal standard of living.
Limited Market Forces	In a command economy, market forces such as supply and demand have little influence on economic decisions. Prices are set by the government, and production is determined by central planning rather than consumer demand.

Examples of command economies include the former Soviet Union, China under Mao Zedong, and North Korea. These countries implemented centralized planning and state ownership of industries to varying degrees.

While command economies can provide certain benefits, such as rapid industrialization and economic stability, they also have significant drawbacks. Lack of individual freedom, inefficiency, and lack of innovation are common criticisms of command economies.