Showing papers in "International Journal of Social Economics in 2006"
TL;DR: In this paper, a number of key issues in defining an organisation as a social enterprise and highlighting the central issue of measuring success and impact are discussed. But, it can be concluded that whilst certain beliefs and principles are routinely evident, social enterprises most certainly cannot be described as one-size-fits-all.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight the diverse world of social enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – This paper profiles 11 different social enterprises from around the world. These range from a profit‐achieving business in a very competitive industry, but one with strong social principles, through a profitable workers' co‐operative to ones needing to find financial sustainability if they are to continue their social aspirations. The paper discusses a number of key issues in defining an organisation as a social enterprise and highlights the central issue of measuring success and impact.Findings – In some of the enterprises the important contribution of a pivotal social entrepreneur is apparent. The need to create and add value for customers and clients is always apparent, as is the need to find effective routes to market. It can be concluded that whilst certain beliefs and principles are routinely evident, social enterprises most certainly cannot be described as “one‐size‐fits‐all”.Ori...
397 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual framework is developed to accommodate the often neglected collective or pluralistic dimension of entrepreneurship, focusing on the creation of a social enterprise (cooperative, mutual or voluntary organisation).
Abstract: Purpose – This paper is concerned with developing a framework which allows both economic and social entrepreneurship to be analysed.Design/methodology/approach – The framework is developed to accommodate the often neglected collective or pluralistic dimension of entrepreneurship. It draws on the behavioural approach to adopt a straightforward definition of social entrepreneurship – focusing on the creation of a social enterprise (co‐operative, mutual or voluntary organisation). The paper is exploratory, developing a conceptual framework, based on some case studies of social enterprises in a range of business sectors, in the UK.Findings – The findings from this small scale study provide interesting models of entrepreneurship that contrast with conventional models for SMEs.Research limitations/implications – The research has implications for research on conventional entrepreneurship, as well as creating a basis for developing the new field of social entrepreneurship.Practical implications – The paper provid...
327 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the appropriateness of two contrasting models of governance to organisations within the social enterprise sector is assessed, and two propositions result from this which posit that social enterprise, despite being located within the non-profit sector, may be more likely to exhibit for-profit forms of governance.
Abstract: – This paper aims to assess the appropriateness of two contrasting models of governance to organisations within the social enterprise sector., – In order to achieve this aim the paper draws on theories of for‐profit governance, particularly the stewardship model, and theories of non‐profit governance, particularly the democratic model. Theoretical insights from these literatures are then combined with the emerging literature on social enterprise., – Two propositions result from this which posit that social enterprise, despite being located within the non‐profit sector, may be more likely to exhibit for‐profit forms of governance., – Practitioners within social enterprises, and those operating in advisory roles to the sector, could benefit from the argument advanced in the paper in that it offers a potential governance solution to the distinctive management challenges being faced by social enterprises., – The paper contributes a framework for examining governance within social enterprises, and offers a guide for future research into social enterprise governance.
200 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a new processual model of corporate responsibility, which they refer to as the 3C-SR model, which can offer practical guidelines to managers on how to connect with the growing numbers of ethically aware consumers to simultaneously achieve economic and social objectives.
Abstract: – To develop a model that bridges the gap between CSR definitions and strategy and offers guidance to managers on how to connect socially committed organisations with the growing numbers of ethically aware consumers to simultaneously achieve economic and social objectives., – This paper offers a critical evaluation of the theoretical foundations of corporate responsibility (CR) and proposes a new strategic approach to CR, which seeks to overcome the limitations of normative definitions. To address this perceived issue, the authors propose a new processual model of CR, which they refer to as the 3C‐SR model., – The 3C‐SR model can offer practical guidelines to managers on how to connect with the growing numbers of ethically aware consumers to simultaneously achieve economic and social objectives. It is argued that many of the redefinitions of CR for a contemporary audience are normative exhortations (“calls to arms”) that fail to provide managers with the conceptual resources to move from “ought” to “how”., – The 3C‐SR model offers a novel approach to CR in so far as it addresses strategy, operations and markets in a single framework.
194 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined tax morale in the Russian Federation during the transition from a centrally planned economy to one based on market reliance, and found that the restoration of a higher level of trust in the state, after some progress in the transition to a market economy positively influenced tax morale.
Abstract: This paper examines citizens’ attitudes toward paying taxes – what is sometimes termed their “tax morale”, or the intrinsic motivation to pay taxes – focusing on the experience of individuals in the Russian Federation. A unique aspect of our analysis is our ability to study tax morale before (1991), during (1995), and shortly after (1999) the transition of the Russian economy from a centrally planned economy to one based on market reliance. Our empirical analysis uses data from the World Values Survey and the European Values Survey. The results show decay in tax morale in the first four years of the transition from 1991 to 1995, and a small recovery in 1999. These results are consistent with the relevance of social norms in tax compliance, where the widespread perception of tax evasion and of a corrupt and inefficient state led initially to a decline of tax morale. However, the results also suggest that the restoration of a higher level of trust in the state, after some progress in the transition to a market economy, positively influenced tax morale. Using disaggregated data for Russian regions, we also find significant regional differences in tax morale, reflecting the degree of trust different regions have toward Moscow’s institutions and policies.
155 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe and evaluate the process of developing and applying indicators to measure contributions to sustainability using a case study example, and discuss the requirements, difficulties, appropriateness and potential pitfalls of such an appr...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to briefly assess social accounting methods and tools to measure business and social enterprise (SE) contributions to sustainability in relation to their usefulness and applicability to SEs. Using a case study example, the paper aims to describe and evaluate the process of developing and applying indicators to measure contributions to sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers worked with three senior members of staff at Wastesavers to develop a set of sustainability indicators. First a literature review of existing sustainability indicator sets and sustainability tools was undertaken. Then a scoping exercise was undertaken to understand what the company wanted out of the process and to decide on which indicators to use. A list on eight key indicators was developed and data on each of these collected and collated and a report was written. Discussion is focussed on the requirements, difficulties, appropriateness and potential pitfalls of such an appr...
112 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors delineate the short and long-run relationships between savings, real interest rate, income, current account deficits (CADs) and age dependency ratio in Fiji using cointegration and error correction models over the period 1968-2000.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to delineate the short‐ and long‐run relationships between savings, real interest rate, income, current account deficits (CADs) and age dependency ratio in Fiji using cointegration and error correction models over the period 1968‐2000.Design/methodology/approach – The recently developed bounds testing approach to cointegration is used, which is applicable irrespective of whether the underlying variables are integrated of order one or order zero. Given the small sample size in this study, appropriate critical values were extracted from Narayan. To estimate the short‐ and long‐run elasticities, the autoregressive distributed‐lag model is used.Findings – In the short‐ and long‐run: a 1 per cent increase in growth rate increases savings by over 0.07 and 0.5 per cent, respectively; a 1 per cent increase in the CAD reduces savings rate by 0.01 and 0.02 per cent, respectively; and the negative coefficient on the real interest rate implies that the income effect dominates the substitutio...
82 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the impact of agricultural sector on the economy of North Cyprus, which suffers from political problems and drought over the years, and found that agricultural output growth and economic growth as measured by real gross domestic product growth are stationary at their levels, thus, they are naturally cointegrated They are in long run equilibrium relationship and there is feedback relationship between these variables that indicates bidirectional causation among them in the long run period.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyze the impact of agricultural sector on the economy of North Cyprus, which suffers from political problems and drought over the yearsDesign/methodology/approach – Annual data covering 1975‐2002 period has been used to find the direction of causality in Granger sense between agricultural growth and economic growth after employing unit root tests to see if the variables under consideration are stationaryFindings – Results of the present study first suggest that agricultural output growth and economic growth as measured by real gross domestic product growth are stationary at their levels, thus, they are naturally co‐integrated They are in long run equilibrium relationship And secondly, there is feedback relationship between these variables that indicates bidirectional causation among them in the long run periodResearch limitations/implications – A more expanded data can be used for further comparison Furthermore, a future study can be done for other islands to make comparison across t
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the factors that influence the choice of major and found that interest in the subject, expected marketability, performance in major classes, and the approachability and teaching reputation of the faculty are influential factors in choosing a major.
Abstract: Purpose – In the fall of 1996, Walstad suggested that the economics profession needed to obtain the students' perspective on the choice of major. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence the choice of major.Design/methodology/approach – To recruit majors and to address Walstad's concern, economics and non‐economics majors were surveyed to determine which factors they consider important when choosing a major and to better understand why some students never consider economics.Findings – The results suggest that interest in the subject, expected marketability, performance in major classes, and the approachability and teaching reputation of the faculty are influential to the choice of major.Originality/value – The results may help the profession address enrollment issues, including the disproportionate number of women in the major.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a wide range of published works, which contain the recent thoughts and debates of the globalisation to developing nations are reviewed, analysed and then critiqued, and the authors take some case study examples and evidence from developing worlds, most notably in Indonesia.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide philosophical discussions of various works, thinking of globalisations and new thoughts on how the developing countries might take benefit of globalisation.Design/methodology/approach – A wide range of published works, which contain the recent thoughts and debates of the globalisation to developing nations are reviewed, analysed and then critiqued. The authors take some case study examples and evidence from developing worlds, most notably in Indonesia.Findings – At present, the impact of globalisation will benefit mostly to industrialised countries or MNC's operating in developing countries. Globalisation will bring prosperity to developing world only if industrialised countries and MNC's are willing to adopt a code of conduct, which permits their profit motives to be harmonised with the self‐reliant interest of developing nations. The global rule must be changed in favour of developing countries.Research limitations/implications – Globalisation is a very wide issue. This paper only h...
39 citations
TL;DR: Tailored public health interventions that address the health needs of Latino immigrants in the USA need to be based on reliable data and statistics in order to effectively place resources, and to track achievements and flaws.
Abstract: Purpose – Latinos comprise 12.5 percent of the overall population in the USA, and are the fastest‐growing minority, among which the Mexican‐origin population makes up about 66 percent. Undocumented Latino immigrants are a small, yet important group within the immigrant population. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and discuss the most important factors that prevent immigrants from accessing health care.Design/methodology/approach – Literature review was conducted from the library database. A total of 50 items of literature related to the subject were reviewed.Findings – Border states have the highest concentration of Mexican‐origin people. The concentration of immigrants in the border has unique health and economic implications due to the vital role they have in US society, contributing both to the economy and diversity of the USA. Despite their important role, they disproportionately lack health insurance, and receive fewer health care services than US‐born citizens. This lack of insu...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors empirically assess whether GDP per capita or the human capital index is a better measure of happiness than other measures of human welfare, and they find that the often heard criticism that it is inappropriate for use in economic analysis, especially in the area of economic development and other international fields, because it is not specifically designed as a measure of welfare, may be unfounded.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper attempts to empirically assess whether GDP per capita or the human capital index is a better measure of happiness.Design/methodology/approach – Cross‐country regressions are run to see how GDP per capita fairs in comparison to the human capital index in explaining happiness based on survey questionnaires.Findings – The paper finds that GDP per capita accounts for a far greater share of the cross country variation in happiness based on survey data than the human capita index and assorted other measures of human welfare.Practical implications – The important implication is that the often heard criticism that GDP per capita is inappropriate for use in economic analysis, especially in the area of economic development and other international fields, because it is not specifically designed as a measure of welfare, may be unfounded.Originality/value – The paper shows that GDP per capita is a better measure of happiness defined in surveys than the human capital index.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on the sustainable development of faith-based enterprises in Kenya focusing on the question of measuring social enterprises as a strategy for the developing the sector, and reviewed existing literature and policy experience on this topic, whilst reporting some results from a pilot investigation, undertaken in Kenya in 2004.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper is concerned with sustainable development (supporting profit‐making enterprises as alternatives to providing relief efforts in developing countries) of faith‐based enterprises in Kenya focusing on the question of measuring social enterprises as a strategy for the developing the sector. The purpose of the paper is to review existing literature and policy experience on this topic, whilst also reporting some results from a pilot investigation, undertaken in Kenya in 2004.Design/methodology/approach – The paper used five theoretical foundations to advance discussions on sustainable social enterprises as a component of economic development in the country. Eleven social enterprise programs were selected using church networks and a series of qualitative interviews conducted to determine sustainability measures and motivations for commitment to developing such enterprises. A modified design of ethnography for listening and asking questions in the context of sociological and anthropological st...
TL;DR: In this paper, three types of forecasts, namely, historical, expost and exante, using the world famous Box-Jenkins time series models for motor, mash and mung prices in Bangladesh.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to generate three types of forecasts, namely, historical, ex‐post and ex‐ante, using the world famous Box‐Jenkins time series models for motor, mash and mung prices in Bangladesh.Design/methodology/approach – The models on the basis of which these forecasts have been computed were selected by six important information criteria such as Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC), Schwarz's Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Theil's R2, Theil's R2, SE(σ) and Mean Absolute Percent Errors (MAPEs). In order to examine the forecasting performance of the selected models, three types of forecast errors were estimated, i.e. root mean square percent errors (RMSPEs), mean percent forecast errors (MPFEs) and Theil's inequality coefficients (TICs).Findings – The estimates suggest that in most cases the forecasting performances of the models in question are quite satisfactory.Originality/value – The models developed in this paper can be used for policy purposes as far as price forecas...
TL;DR: In this paper, an economic theory of non-profit organizational leadership is developed and applied to the problem of nonprofit failure or "voluntary sector failure" and it is argued that appropriate leadership can reduce voluntary failure and that the major comparative advantages of NPOs make these agencies particularly prone to various forms of voluntary failure.
Abstract: Purpose – At present no satisfactory economic theory of non‐profit organizational leadership exists The purpose of this paper is to develop an economic theory of non‐profit leadership and apply this theory to the problem of non‐profit failure or “voluntary sector failure”Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on the economic literature on the non‐profit sector to critically examine this approach to theorizing about non‐profit organizations (NPOs) It then considers the contribution that Lester Salamon has made to the understanding of NPOs It is argued that the very sources of non‐profit “distinctiveness” identified by Salamon are also simultaneously associated with “voluntary sector failure” An economic theory of non‐profit leadership is developed and it is held that appropriate leadership can reduce voluntary failureFindings – The major comparative advantages of NPOs make these agencies particularly prone to various forms of “voluntary failure” that present challenges not only to NPOs, but al
TL;DR: Results show that a nation in which the median citizen is under 40 is in a strong position to rely principally on individual medical savings accounts, and predicts that Singapore, as its population ages, will probably rely more heavily on risk pooling and insurance.
Abstract: Purpose – Singapore's rapid economic progress has been accompanied by a series of experiments in medical savings and health insurance. This paper aims to examine the “three Ms” – Medisave, MediShield, and Medifund – in order to establish the way in which the policy‐instruments are expected to deliver the status required.Design/methodology/approach – The paper collects evidence on both outcomes and payments.Findings – Results show that a nation in which the median citizen is under 40 is in a strong position to rely principally on individual medical savings accounts. The paper predicts that Singapore, as its population ages, will probably rely more heavily on risk pooling and insurance.Practical implications – The practical implications are that an extension of insurance is inevitable, but that earmarked savings will probably remain the first line of defence.Originality/value – The paper is the first to document the Singapore experience of payment for health. It draws inferences and makes recommendations th...
TL;DR: In this article, a case study of bonded labourers in the brick kiln industry of Southeast India is presented, where child labour is used by parents in the moulding process in order to avoid falling into debt bondage.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to highlight that child labour is complementary to adult labour in the brick kiln industry.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a case study of bonded labourers in the brick kiln industry of Southeast India.Findings – The paper finds that child labour is used by parents in the moulding process in order to avoid falling into debt bondage. In this industry, brick making is organized as a home‐based enterprise. Thus, child labour increases the family productivity and consequently its income. In case of a ban on child labour bonded parents will be worse‐off. NGOs can play an essential role by preventing families from falling into bondage and by improving their living standards.Originality/value – The results may help the NGOs address child labour issues in the developing world.
TL;DR: In this paper, a generic East Asian business model is proposed to distill from both the Asian "miracle" and the "meltdown" since the Asian crisis, which is changing in the context of globalisation, information communication technology, knowledge-based economy, deregulation and emerging new competition.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to distill from both the Asian “miracle” and the “meltdown” since the Asian crisis, a generic East Asian business model which is changing in the context of globalisation, information communication technology, knowledge‐based economy, deregulation and emerging new competition.Design/methodology/approach – The generic business model considers the creative and innovative nature of intellectual capital in a qualitative macroeconomic development model rather than a quantitative or econometric micro‐level business modeling for the firm or industry. Diverse and heterogeneous both within the whole of East Asia and distinguished as Northeast and Southeast Asia, the putative generic business model is further differentiated in terms of customised idiosyncratic models in more mature Northeast developmental states in Japan, Korea and Taiwan contrasted with Southeast “captured” developmental states as in Indonesia and Malaysia entrapped by ethnic politics.Findings – City‐states Hong Kong and S...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the nature and causes of the region's marginalisation and examine the prospects for their reversal, concluding that part of the underdevelopment is due to bad luck, initial conditions and an unfavourable international economic environment.
Abstract: Purpose – The economic growth performance of Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) over the past few decades has confounded economists. The paper examines the nature and causes of the region's marginalisation.Design/methodology/approach – Analyses areas of marginalisation including: technologically, economically, socially, politically, and even intellectually. The aim here is to document all these facets in a comparative manner and to examine prospects for their reversal.Findings – The poverty of SSA has many dimensions and causes, both internal and external. Certainly part of its underdevelopment is attributable to bad luck, initial conditions, and an unfavourable international economic environment. However, the region has to accept much of the responsibility for its plight because its present state is also largely an outcome of poor policy choice and bad governance. Thus, whilst we cannot account for every facet of the question of “why some nations are rich and others poor” we are nonetheless left with some very rea...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed the role of price fairness perceptions as a construct underlying individuals' transactions and found that consumers do patronize stores and one important variable determining their level of spending is their perceptions of fairness underlying the transaction with a specific provider.
Abstract: Purpose – To analyze the role of price fairness perceptions as a construct underlying individuals' transactions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper formulates and empirically tests the hypothesis that price fairness perceptions endogenously determine consumers' expenditures decisions. Economic transactions are viewed as an allocation choice problem with fairness perceptions being an endogenous variable determining problem outcome. A treatment effects model is utilized, allowing for the analysis of the effects that price fairness perceptions exercise upon both the consumers' decision to realize a transaction as well as upon their consequent level of spending.Findings – Consumers do patronize stores and one important variable determining their level of spending is their perceptions of fairness underlying the transaction with a specific provider.Research limitations/implications – The small usable questionnaire sample may be considered as a limitation. However, the very satisfactory fit of the estimated ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used a pooled cross-section time-wise autoregressive model to test the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) on economic well-being.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper tests the hypothesis that more information via higher levels of diffusion of ICT: a non‐income influence, leads to an improvement in societal well being using data from a large sample of low‐income countries.Design/methodology/approach – The empirical procedure utilises a pooled cross section time wise autoregressive model to test the effects of information and communications technology (ICT) on economic well being.Findings – The findings here provide strong support that the diffusion of the new ICT positively contribute to societal economic well being.Practical implications – The implication of the findings is that low‐income countries, in particular, should quickly move to seize the opportunity to develop their ICT infrastructure given its beneficial welfare effects.Originality/value – The paper examines the effect of ICT on well being.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present and discuss as a holistic, organic perspective enabling innovative solutions to challenges concerning the responsible and efficient use of natural resources and the constructive interplay with culture.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper is an attempt to advance the critical discussion regarding environmental and societal responsibility in economics and business.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents and discusses as a holistic, organic perspective enabling innovative solutions to challenges concerning the responsible and efficient use of natural resources and the constructive interplay with culture. To reach the goal of sustainable development, the paper argues that it is necessary to make changes in several dimensions in mainstream economics. This change of perspective is called a turn towards sustainability. To illustrate the theoretical discussion, the paper gives some practical examples from the reprocessing industry in Norway.Findings – The paper finds, first, effective and efficient use of natural resources is necessary to implement circular value chains. Second, sustainable development presupposes a perspective integrating economic, natural and cultural values. Third, to organize the interplay betwee...
TL;DR: In this article, the role of government in fostering entrepreneurial activity and economic development, thereby balancing social and economic objectives, is examined and compared in case studies on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in New Zealand.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of government in fostering entrepreneurial activity and economic development, thereby balancing social and economic objectives.Design/methodology/approach – Case studies on state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) in New Zealand, one of which is examined in detail, are analysed and compared. Triangulated data from interviews, texts, and personal observation were collected and analysed in two separate phases, examining effective pathways for social enterprise in the public sector and related themes.Findings – Findings suggest the role of government is not limited to policy‐making. Examination of activity which aims to balance social and economic objectives identifies several factors which have contributed to successful and entrepreneurial operations within SOEs.Research limitations/implications – Although limited to a single case, this paper reveals the nature and importance of entrepreneurial activity within government organisations.Practical implications ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that differences between the underlying world views of lecture and case methods of teaching similarly lead to differences in many other aspects of the teaching and learning process.
Abstract: Purpose
– To see how educational philosophies that underlie lecture and case methods of teaching are related to how faculty perform their teaching, research, and service.
Design/methodology/approach
– This paper is based on the premise that foundational philosophies, worldviews or paradigms underlie educational philosophies, and each educational philosophy favors a certain instructional methodology, which in turn implies a certain way or method of instruction.
Findings
– The findings of this paper are that each educational philosophy favors a certain instructional methodology, which in turn determines not only the way that the instruction is performed but also how faculty perform their teaching, research, and service.
Research limitations/implications
– This paper implies that differences between the underlying world views of lecture and case methods of teaching similarly lead to differences in many other aspects of the teaching and learning process.
Practical implications
– This paper implies that, in practice, faculty would perform their teaching, research, and service in a more consistent manner if they become consciously aware of the underlying philosophy of their teaching method.
Originality/value
– The original contribution of this paper is that it shows how in a systematic manner the differences in teaching philosophy lead to differences in what faculty do in all areas of their activities: teaching, research, and service.
TL;DR: The results from empirical analysis shows that factors on the maternal and household level are more important determinants of child nutritional status and that significant achievement could be made toward reducing malnutrition through actions in sectors that have not been the traditional focus of nutritional interventions.
Abstract: Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to increase the level of knowledge pertaining to nutritional status of preschoolers and to identify/quantifying the relative importance of various socioeconomic and environmental factors which may have significant role in determining nutritional status of preschoolers in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approach – Household food availability, childcare practices, and child health status being focused as proximate determinants of child nutritional status pose problems for the simple regression analysis. An ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of the regression with nutrition as an outcome and these three proximate variables as determinants could be biased for two reasons. First, there may be unobserved variables that are relegated to the error term but are correlated with the variables included on the right side. Second, explanatory variables may exit that are endogenous or codetermined with the outcome variable and hence are correlated with the error term. The app...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the Harrod-Domar model together with an interpretation proposed by Barro and Sala-i-Martin to determine the growth threshold level of jobless growth in Poland.
Abstract: Purpose – To explain the sources of jobless growth in Poland, the country undergoing economic system transition and integration with the European Union (EU).Design/methodology/approach – The research used the Harrod‐Domar model together with an interpretation proposed by Barro and Sala‐i‐Martin to determine the growth threshold level of jobless growth in Poland. The technical, econometric calculation does not dominate the paper, which is destined for both academic and non‐academic readers studying the phenomenon of jobless growth.Findings – The paper provides a review of literature and theories of jobless growth. The calculations show that Poland has a high threshold of jobless growth. The Polish GDP needs to grow at least 4 per cent to add new jobs.Research limitations/implications – To evaluate the overall long run impact of labor productivity on the job market one needs to include the growth of non‐manufacturing jobs in the service sectors which accommodate the needs of more affluent worker/consumers. ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that freedom of choice exists given traditional constraints such as relative prices and income, and make reference to literature in economics and philosophy that shed light on this critical working assumption in economics.
Abstract: Purpose – The assumption of free will in contemporary economics is an important starting point for socio‐economic analysis in contrast to methodologies which assume that human action is pre‐determined by forces beyond individual control. However, contemporary economic theory is devoid of choice in critical domains with important implication for economic analyses and public policy, given the ancillary assumption of the importance of market forces in determining choice behavior. The purpose of this paper is to argue that freedom of choice exists given traditional constraints such as relative prices and income.Design/methodology/approach – This is a theoretical paper examining the assumption of free will in choice behaviour in economic theory. It makes reference to literature in economics and philosophy that shed light on this critical working assumption in economics.Findings – Conventional analysis pays little heed to non economic constraints on human action that affect and delimit but do not preclude free ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a comprehensive concept of democratic development and developed a more inclusive concept of democracy to provide a common set of categories to evaluate its depth and quality, including general development, democratic health, democratic inclusiveness, and human capital.
Abstract: Purpose – Existing attempts to assess national development and processes of democratization suffer from conceptual and measurement challenges. This paper proposes a comprehensive concept of democratic development and develops a more inclusive concept of democracy to provide a common set of categories to evaluate its depth and quality.Design/methodology/approach – In order to measure the depth and health of democracy, democratic development incorporates four categories of human progress, each measured by multiple variables. The four categories deemed important for human progress are general development, democratic health, democratic inclusiveness, and human capital. Components of democratic development incorporate existing measures of political and economic development to create a comprehensive and accessible measure of democratic development.Findings – The comparative tables based on multiple goals of development clearly reveal that neither the GDP index nor the HDI are adequate measures of development. D...
TL;DR: The third way strategy between Monetarism and Keynesianism, which seeks to maintain stability whilst adapting to shocks, has been used by New Labour as discussed by the authors, which is based neither upon fixed rules nor complete flexibility, but upon constrained discretion, i.e. the belief that longterm stability requires a comprehensive framework, which constrains policy to achieve sustainable goals, but provides discretion to respond to shocks.
Abstract: Purpose – This article attempts to unravel the ways in which New Labour's economic and social policies differ from those of previous Conservative and Labour administrations.Design/methodology/approach – The article analyses Treasury documents, which outline the philosophy underpinning the Government's measures.Findings – Gordon Brown has adopted a third‐way strategy between Monetarism and Keynesianism, which seeks to maintain stability whilst adapting to shocks. It is based neither upon fixed rules nor complete flexibility, but upon constrained discretion, i.e. the belief that long‐term stability requires a comprehensive framework, which constrains policy to achieve sustainable goals, but provides discretion to respond to shocks. If policy‐makers possess a sufficiently credible commitment to overall stability, they can exercise discretion in response to shocks without damaging long‐run expectations.Originality/value – Founded upon the concept of ‘constrained discretion, the paper argues that New Labour is...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors counter Epstein's views on the alienability of property by criticising the limitations of laissez-faire capitalism regarding such things as guns, liquor, narcotics, certain books and voting.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to counteract Epstein's views on the alienability of property Epstein favors limitations of laissez‐faire capitalism regarding such things as guns, liquor, narcotics, certain books and voting and this paper aims to criticize them from the perspective of full, free enterpriseDesign/methodology/approach – The main method is that of the reductio ad absurdum For example, Epstein favors prior restraint on books giving information as to how an atomic bomb may be built He does so on grounds that such information can be extremely harmful Marxist books are far more harmful Yet Epstein would not ban them So his case for prior restraint is underminedFindings – Epstein's case for restrictions on alienability is unfoundedPractical implications – If the message of the paper is incorporated into public policy, the practical implication is that any move in the direction of laissez‐faire capitalism will be much closer than by implementing Epstein's recommendationsOriginalit