ABSTRACT
That companies ordinarily engage in activities aimed at enhancing their relative competitive positions is clear. However, because sometimes the competitive advantage created by the more successful of these tactics is so great as to eliminate existing competitors, dissuade potential rivals from entering a market, or force existing firms to operate in a manner that poses no competitive threat to the instigator, they are often regarded by governments as being unacceptable. It is a matter of political judgement as to which of these multifarious practices is consistent with the best interests of society. Given the inherently subjective nature of such
decision making, it would seem sensible that right from the outset a government should make clear to participants the exact rules of the game. Devising a sufficiently precise set of guidelines though to encompass all possible future eventualities is simply not a feasible proposition. Differences in political philosophy and perspective also mean that a universally acceptable formula cannot exist.
