The Economics of The Office
Learning economics from the world's best boss
Flowers
In this clip, Michael tries to buy flowers only to discover how expensive they are. This is a good example of the relationship between price elasticity of demand and the availability of substitute goods. Also we see that when the price of a good is above someone's reservation price, they will either go without the good or purchase a substitute good.
Season 4 Episode 3 "Andy's Play"
Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles (D01) Market Structure and Pricing (D40)
Ungifting
This scene is about property rights and gift giving. Michael and Dwight try to prove that face to face sales work more effectively than new technologies and provide gift baskets for their clients. They decide to take the gifts back from a law firm when the firm does not elect to move their business to Dunder Mifflin. “Un-gifting” does not seem to be legal or appropriate but Michael and Dwight attempt to do this anyway. Michael exclaims “WHERE ARE THE TURTLES!” as he tries to get his gift back. (This clip was suggested by Jon Wilson, an undergraduate student at Kansas State University).
Season 4 Episode 2 "Dunder Mifflin Infinity"
Teaching of Economics (A20) Market Structure and Pricing (D40)
