A group of brokers agree among themselves to refuse to show properties listed by a discount brokerage that charges lower commissions. This conduct is best described as:
- An illegal group boycott under antitrust law
- A lawful business decision each broker is free to make independently
- A permissible rule the local multiple listing service may adopt
- Steering, directing buyers away from a discount brokerage's listings
Show answer & explanation
An illegal group boycott under antitrust law — Competitors agreeing to collectively refuse to deal with a business, such as a discount brokerage, is a group boycott, which is a per se violation of federal antitrust law.
Source: Sherman Antitrust Act (15 U.S.C. §1)