Optimal Risk Management, Risk Aversion, and Production Function Properties

Abstract

For production risk with identified physical causes, the nature of risk, production characteristics, risk preference, and prices determine optimal input use. Here, a two-way classification for pairs of inputs - each input as being risk increasing or decreasing and pairs as being risk substitutes or complements - provides sufficient conditions to determine how risk aversion should affect input use. Unlike the Sandmo price risk averse firm may produce more expected output and use more inputs than a risk neutral firm. Sufficient conditions to determine types for pairs of inputs are also related to properties of the production function.

Keywords

• production risk
• risk aversion
• risk management