The idea that a small change in consumer behavior can have a large effect on a company's
investment. For example, suppose $100 of
investment in a bakery produces $100 worth of baked goods. If consumers usually
buy $100 of baked goods each year but this increases to $110, the bakery must buy 10% more equipment, baking materials, and so forth, which can increase the amount it invests in its suppliers by more than 10%. The accelerator principle exacerbates advances and declines; it is used in various models of the
business cycle. See also:
Multiplier.