Command Economy | Definition & Examples

What Is a Command Economy?

A command economy (also known as a “planned economy”) occurs when decisions about the production and allocation of all goods and services are made by one central government authority.

Characteristics of Command Economies

Command economies are characterized by centralized control, forecasting, and pricing. A central authority develops economic forecasts (often multi-year forecasts) and orders goods to be produced accordingly. Goods are then distributed according to the government’s assessment of need. There is no private ownership of business.

All major industries in a command economy are government-run monopolies. This includes utility companies, banks, and factories producing everything from clothing to cars. Workers are government employees and – regardless of whether they wish to work at their job – everyone is assigned and expected to work.

Businesses operating in a command economy must follow all of the government’s directives and plans. They cannot respond to marketplace demand but must instead produce and sell according to government dictates.

Is a Command Economy Capitalist or Communist?

A command economy is a major feature of communist systems and the opposite of a capitalist society (where production and price levels are determined by market forces like supply and demand). In a command economy, the central government planning office determines production, distribution, and pricing.

Capitalism encourages entrepreneurs to start their own businesses to fill unmet marketplace needs. The so-called “invisible hand” (or the self-regulating features of the market) drive supply and demand rather than government dictates.

Examples of Capitalist Companies

Consider companies like Apple and Amazon, both founded in the United States (a capitalist country). These companies grew from their founders’ abilities to spot unmet marketplace demand and fulfill that demand with better prices and higher-quality goods than the competition. As a result, they reap the rewards of their creativity, talent, and hard work, resulting in wealth.

In a command society, since there is no private ownership of businesses, entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs (Apple) and Jeff Bezos (Amazon) wouldn’t have been allowed to start their own companies. The government would have determined whether people needed computers or books, what kind would be produced, the quantity, and their selling prices.

Command Economy vs. Socialism

Socialism is one form of a command economy. Communism is another.

In both, the government conducts economic forecasting and planning. The government also controls production, distribution, and pricing.

Command Economy vs. Market Economy

A command economy is very different from a market economy. Unlike a command economy, market economies rely upon the law of supply and demand to determine which goods are produced and in what quantity. Private business ownership and entrepreneurship is encouraged with prices changing due to marketplace demand and the supply of goods.

Which Countries Are Command Economies?

Cuba and North Korea are considered command economies. The former Soviet Union was a command economy, but shifted over the last several decades to a mixed economy. China moved from a command economy to a socialist market economy, blending both features of a planned economic system and a capitalist system.

How Does a Command Economy Affect Its Citizens?

Command economies demand that all citizens work, so unemployment is virtually nonexistent. The jobs that people have may not be stimulating or fulfilling, but citizens do not have a choice – they must work.

Central government planning agencies can make mistakes. When they do, surpluses and shortages occur. Citizens may end up creating a black market (illegal marketplaces) to purchase what they desire if the government stores do not carry the items.

Because all businesses are run by the government, citizens have little choice about the quality of the goods they purchase. Unlike market economies, they cannot “vote with their purse” and take their business elsewhere if the products are defective or inferior.

What Is the Goal of a Command Economy?

A command economy employs centralized planning, with government ownership of all means of production. Government control of distribution and pricing exists with the objective of eradicating unemployment, poverty, and social inequality.