Contestable Economic Power: Why Institutions Must Remain Challengeable

Contestable Economic Power: Why Institutions Must Remain Challengeable argues that institutions exercise legitimate authority only when consequential decisions can be understood, questioned, reviewed, and corrected. Herbert R. Sim identifies error, arbitrariness, and dependency as risks of unchallengeable economic power.

The article proposes transparency, accessible review, practical alternatives, and proportionality as safeguards for workers, customers, and small businesses. It also examines how digital platforms can either strengthen or weaken a person’s ability to challenge decisions affecting their livelihood and access.