Endogenous Entry and Exit in Common Value Auctions

We develop and experimentally test a model of endogenous entry, exit, and bidding in common value auctions. The model and experimental design include an alternative profitable activity (a safe haven) that provides agentspecific opportunity costs of bidding in the auction. Each agent chooses whether to accept the safe haven income or forgo it in order to bid in the auction. Agents that enter the auction receive independently-drawn private signals that provide unbiased estimates of the common value. The auctioned item is allocated to the high bidder at a price that is equal to the high bid. Thus the market is a first-price sealed-bid common value auction with endogenous determination of market size.     

ACHIEVING SOCIAL OBJECTIVES THROUGH PRIVATE TRANSFERS: A Review

Private interhousehold cash transfers are an important sourceof income in many developing countries. Among the countrieswhose experience is reviewed in the article, the proportionof all households receiving private transfers ranges from afifth to a half. The amounts received are large, particularlywhen compared with the incomes of the poorest households. Understanding more about these transfers is important for designingpolicy because, among other things, these remittances providesocial and economic benefits similar to those of public programs,such as unemployment insurance, pension support, educationalcredit, and health assistance. As such, private transfers maysupplement or overlap with public transfers, and, if privatedonors give less as public transfers increase, the effect ofpublic programs on beneficiaries would be less than originallyintended. Or the transfers may alter the distributional effectsof public programs: for again, if private donors give less aspublic transfers increase, they share in some of the benefitsof public programs.      

Literature indexing systems for corporate R & D strategy: a case-study in the pharmaceutical industry

Abstract . Information retrieval systems in R & D laboratories are normally used to provide information about the state of the art in fields of corporate interest and to help to solve day-to-day problems. The authors show that such systems can also be used as a tool for planning by R & D managers, corporate planners and others involved in evaluating and setting strategic objectives for the firm. Their approach is to use the Science Citation Index to ascertain the specific institutional setting and geographical locations of researchers in whom material published by the subject firm excited a 'resonance'.
In their study they used the publications lists covering a five-year period provided by two West German companies. They point out that it is possible not only to assess the scientific standing of the R & D laboratory but also to get early warning of spin-offs into hitherto unrecognized fields, to identify 'markets' for the profitable exchange of information and to locate complementary sources of expertise.     

The resource dynamics of international new venture networks

Building on network theory and the resource-based view of the firm, this paper uses three case studies to explore how networks facilitate resource development in the international new venture. Set in the context of the conception, commercialization and growth stages of venture development, four propositions are advanced. These pertain to the dynamics of organizational, human, physical, financial and social capital, and the nature of these resource flows as they pertain to the INV network. Implications for research and INV management are discussed.     

Reactions to disappointing performance in manufacturer–distributor relationships: The role of escalation and resource commitments

A model is presented of an exchange episode between a manufacturer and a distributor that generates disappointing performance outcomes. The authors suggest that manufacturers commit different types of resources in the initial stages of relationships with distributors, which affect both the distributor's ability and willingness to achieve performance goals. These initial resource commitments affect the commitment of further resources, after the receipt of negative outcomes, both directly (through a mental budgeting process) and indirectly (through the attributions made about the cause of the disappointment). The authors use resource theory, attribution theory, and research on escalation of commitment to structure their conceptual framework and research propositions. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Investigations of sexual harassment allegations: Legal means fair—or does it?

Sexual harassment investigations are among the most sensitive and explosive of all HR activities, yet HR managers typically do not receive training in how to conduct these investigations. As a result, and despite the best efforts of the HR manager, the parties involved often believe they were not treated fairly. Our article focuses on the central question of providing fair treatment during the emotionally charged atmosphere of a sexual harassment investigation. We integrate the organizational justice literature with case law and move through five “stages” of an investigation. Lessons in each stage are highlighted, dilemmas are discussed, and guidelines are offered. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.