Ordinal Simplicity in Discrete Mechanism Design

Marek Pycia and M. Utku Ãœnver

No 19820, CEPR Discussion Papers from Centre for Economic Policy Research

Abstract: Designing mechanisms for environments without transfers, market designers usually restrict attention to ordinal mechanisms. Ordinal mechanisms are simpler for both designers and participants but miss potentially welfare-relevant information. Under what conditions focusing on ordinal mechanisms is without loss? We show that all group strategy-proof mechanisms are ordinal. While not all Pareto efficient mechanisms are ordinal, all mechanisms maximizing an Arrovian social welfare function are. As applications, we characterize important classes of mechanisms in public choice as well as single-unit-demand and multiple-unit-demand allocation of private goods.

Date: 2024-12
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