Does Fiscal Decentralization Promote Fiscal Discipline?

We investigate the efficiency and equity implications of a redistributive rule that takes into account both local tax collection efforts and deviation of local incomes from respective targets under alternative fiscal mechanisms. We show that, if the general budget constraint is binding, the proposed transfer rule leads to higher fiscal discipline under fiscal decentralization (FD) than under centralized redistribution. Although the centralized decision yields better income distribution than FD, FD also improves income distribution unambiguously when equalization across regions is targeted explicitly. When localities act strategically, the private sector’s utility weight enhances the disciplinary effect of decentralization.     

Reconciling culturalist and rationalist approaches: leadership in the United States and Turkey

This article empirically investigated the invariance and discriminant validity of a six-factor leadership model across two very divergent cultures: the United States and Turkey. In conjunction with the rationalist approach to international management, it was hypothesized that the same range of six leadership styles would appear in both cultures. However, coinciding with the culturalist approach to international management, it was also hypothesized that managers would emphasize different styles in each culture. Turkish and US managers each completed the Leadership Effectiveness Questionnaire measuring degree of emphasis placed on six leadership styles. Results of the test of model invariance indicated that the six styles existed in both cultures; however, discriminant analysis demonstrated that the Autocratic and Consensus styles differentiated managers best. Turkish managers emphasized the Autocratic style to a greater extent and the Consensus style to a lesser extent than did US managers. Implications for international management are discussed. ©1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISE GROWTH IN TURKEY: UNDER THE SHADOW OF FINANCIAL CRISIS

The present study analyzes the impacts of selected factors on the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSE) in Turkey. Using unique national field survey data on urban MSE that engage 1–49 persons, we present the determinants of MSE growth for the period between the start‐up of enterprises and the year 2000. We evaluate the impact of the financial crisis experienced in Turkey in 2001 on MSE. Detrimental effects of the crisis on MSE are clearly detected in our estimations. Some of the factors contributing to the growth of MSE lose their influence almost immediately during the crisis; indeed, the impact of some factors is reversed. Overall results reveal that there is much scope to design supportive policies for MSE to enable them to withstand the negative impacts of future crises, especially in emerging economies.     

Measuring stress in money markets: A dynamic factor approach

We extract an index of interest rate spreads from various money market segments to assess the level of funding stress in real time. We find that during the 2007–2009 financial crisis, money markets switched between low and high stress regimes except for brief periods of extreme stress. Transitions to lower stress regimes are typically associated with the non-standard policy measures by the Federal Reserve.