A Political Economy Approach to the Neoclassical Model of Transition

The neoclassical model of transition from a centrally-administered socialist economic system to a market-based economic system was implemented in Russia and Eastern Europe. The neoclassical process took the form of either shock therapy or gradualism. However, each approach actually involved a combination of shock therapy and gradualist policies, making the distinction between the two approaches unfounded. In addition, both approaches suffered by the innate inadequacies of neoclassical economic analysis as being politically/institutionally naked. Both shock therapy supporters and gradualist neoclassical economists did not provide a specific process of institutional development, favouring a gradual market-driven institutional outcome. With regard to the political structure, democracy was inconsistent with shock therapy, while active state intervention during transition was inconsistent with the ultimate goal of the gradualist neoclassical economists of competitive capitalism.     

A Political Economy Approach to the Neoclassical Gradualist Model of Transition

Abstract.  A political economy approach to the neoclassical gradualist model of transition requires the exposition of what I define the primary elements of the model, which are economic analysis, definition of a good society, speed, political structure, ideological structure and whether the initial conditions were incorporated in the model. After the identification of the primary elements of the neoclassical gradualist model the next step is to identify secondary elements, the desired changes with respect to price liberalization-stabilization, privatization, institutional structure, monetary policy and the financial system, fiscal policy, international trade and foreign aid and social policy. The analytical framework developed makes possible to understand the neoclassical gradualist model from a new and more enlightening perspective. We are better able to comprehend the complexities involved and the disagreements about the reform process. The adoption of a gradual process of transition did not only involve specifying the required policies of a successful transition but also entailed a process, a sequence by which the reforms should be introduced. As such, a process of transition consistent with the policies recommended by the neoclassical gradualists economists is developed. The conclusion reveals the inconsistencies in the model.     

中美矿山安全监控系统相关标准对比分析及启示

分析了中美两国矿山安全监控系统相关标准的技术指标,对比了我国与美国矿山安全监控系统标准具体技术指标的异同,提出了我国矿山安全监控系统标准存在的不足。从而为我国将来矿山安全监控系统标准的制修订工作提供参考和建议。     

Anatomy of Corruption: An Approach to the Political Economy of Underdevelopment

Abstract . An examination and critique of the functionalist literature on corruption in the political administration of Less Developed Countries (LDCs) indicate that its claims are without empirical foundation. Its theses with regard to the political, economic and administrative effects in most LDCs contrast with the facts. No benefits for development from corruption are found; market corruption, for example, does not appear to improve allocative efficiency. The erosion in a government's capacity to formulate and implement policies making for economic growth is an obstacle to economic progress.     

Comparing cases: studies of commitment systems in Australia and the United States

Using the experiences of PhD research which employed a comparative case study methodology to study industrial relations and commitment systems at brownfield and greenfield sites in Australia and the United States, this paper discusses the issues and challenges that may confront a student undertaking research of this type. It argues that while the original research questions and proposed methodology may, frustratingly, need to change during the course of the research, this can ultimately provide for a richer study and better results. The paper outlines the stages of the case study research and the complexities of combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. In conclusion, the paper briefly summarises the research findings to demonstrate the benefits of long-term, organisationally based case studies.     

中美经营性道路运输界定标准比较

中国和美国在对待经营性运输的管理上有相似之处,也各有特点。本文着重从两国经营性运输的划分阶段、对合同运输的不同态度、运输活动与主营业务之间的关系以及辅助性划分标准等方面进行了比较,对完善我国经营性道路运输管理具有重要的借鉴意义。     

中美人工智能发展对比研究及对江苏的启示

文章对中美两国人工智能的政策战略、市场现状、代表性企业、创新能力、产业集聚等进行详细对比,总结各自的优势和不足.通过对比,借鉴中美国家层面的发展经验,提出江苏下一步人工智能发展应围绕产业生态打造,突出五个重点:一是持续优化省级政策及战略,统筹调动各部门力量;二是加强人工智能市场培育,支持AI投融资、模式创新、供需对接等...     

在美国吃快餐

每天的午餐是美国人一日三餐中食品最简单、食量最少、最好对付的一餐,通常都是吃快餐.到了中午,美国的大街小巷上食客众多热闹异常.有一边看书报一边吃、一边听着音乐手舞足蹈一边吃的,有坐在车里吃、站在路边吃、蹲在树下吃的,甚至走在路上吃、连跑带吃的也随处可见.美国人追求效率效果,讲究省时省力,注重方便实惠,正是这一特点,使得作为美国餐饮文化特征的快餐渗透到美国社会的各个角落.     

中美比较视角下我国电子商务的演进道路——从模仿起步到分化创新的三个特征事实

中国电子商务从模仿美国起步,在适应国情的发展中,逐渐演化形成了自己的特色,走出了一条分化和创新发展而不是模仿趋同的道路。正是在这一独特发展道路的强力支撑下,中国电子商务虽后发于美国,却实现了跨越式发展。然而,当前对中国电子商务独特发展路径的刻画及其背后深层根源的探究却较少。文章在对相关数据进行分类整理的基础上,通过和美国比较,刻画出了中国电子商务在发展中分化出来的三个鲜明特色:在较长时间内维持了超常增长;平台模式居于绝对主导地位;高集中度的市场竞争结构。本文的发现为后续探究中国电子商务历史经验和发展趋势等提供了借鉴。     

Urban Ethnographies in the United States

Books reviewed in this article: Gamm, Gerald, Urban Exodus: why the Jews left Boston and the Catholics stayed Pattillo‐McCoy, Mary, Black picket fences: privilege and peril among the black middle class     

特殊利益集团与转型国家制度变迁

本文从正式制度和非正式制度的互动出发,在一个正式模型框架下详细考察了转型国家的制度变迁特征。非正式制度和正式制度动态过程的特征存在差异,非正式制度的演变是渐进的连续过程,而正式制度不会频繁改变。适应于现行体制结构的有权势特殊利益集团通常会对正式制度的改变施加阻力。当非正式制度演变达到一定阀值,特殊利益集团结束对原有正式制度的坚持,从而发生迅速而剧烈的正式制度变迁。模型模拟结果表明:有权势特殊利益集团和本国其他社会基础状况都对转型国家制度变迁路径有重要影响,是转型国家改革过程中应关注的重点所在。     

Fairness reactions to personnel selection techniques in Singapore and the United States

This study investigates reactions to personnel selection techniques from the perspectives of working adults in the United States and Singapore, and provides a comparison of the two samples. Differences in the cultural values of the two countries are used to generate hypotheses. Working adults in Singapore (N = 158) and the United States (N = 108) rated the process favourability of eleven selection procedures and then indicated the bases for their reactions on seven procedural dimensions. Implications for selection in Singapore, the United States and in international contexts are discussed.     

Occupational and industrial mobility in the United States

Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, and using both the original and the new series of occupation and industry codes, we investigate occupational and industrial mobility of individuals over the 1969–1980 and 1981–1993 periods in the U.S. We find that workers changed both occupations and industries more frequently in the later period. We also find that for men occupational and industrial changes are associated with lower earnings, though this effect has lessened somewhat over time; while for women the results are mixed. Our results also indicate that older and better paid men are less likely to shift occupation or industry.     

Interest Groups, Transfer Seeking and Democratization: Competition for the Benefits of Governmental Power May Explain African Political Instability

A bstract . The effect of permanent interest group transfer-seeking behavior on the degree of democratization is examined, Each permanent interest group is viewed as attempting to maximize its share of wealth transfers through the political process. To maximize the share of transfers, each group undertakes competitive strategies to control the instruments of transfers. Such competition is more intense the larger the number of permanent interest groups in a given country, and the higher the likelihood that the competition would involve non-democratic means to achieve and maintain control of the political machinery in those countries. It is predicted that the more intense the competition for transfers, which is a direct function of the number of permanent interest groups in any given country, the less democratic the system of government in that country is likely to be. This prediction is supported empirically using cross-sectional data for 65 countries.     

Supplements and Complements to the Current Employee Representation System in the United States

Employee representation is an important aspect of the employment relationship. In some countries (e.g., Germany), the government mandates employee representation. In other countries (e.g., the Commonwealth), employers voluntarily recognize employee representatives. In the United States, employees must earn their right to be represented in a certification process that results in collective bargaining. With the significant reduction of union membership in the United States, this representation model is in decline. Other forms of participation have not picked up the slack. Hence, there remains a significant representation gap. In this paper, I describe and analyze several solutions to the representation gap. Both unorganized and organized forms of employee representation are considered.