What does shortage gaming involve?

Shortage gaming refers to the behavior of firms or individuals hoarding supplies due to the anticipation of a potential shortage or scarcity. This phenomenon typically arises in situations where individuals fear that a supply will become limited and, as a result, they engage in the practice of stocking up more than they normally would. This can lead to increased demand at the supplier level, exacerbating the very shortage they are trying to avoid, which in turn can create imbalances in the supply chain.

In contrast, buying excess inventory to take advantage of discounts relates to bulk purchasing but does not explicitly address the fear of future shortages. Adjusting forecasts based on seasonal trends pertains to planning and does not involve the hoarding behavior associated with shortage gaming. Coordinating orders among different suppliers refers to strategic collaboration rather than the individual psychological response to potential supply shortages. Thus, the behavior accurately described in the context of shortage gaming aligns with the definition provided in the question.