Stabileres Tarifvertragssystem durch Stärkung der Allgemeinverbindlicherklärung?

The declaration of the general binding of collective agreements plays a minor role in Germany compared to other European countries. In particular, the number of extended wage agreements has declined greatly over the last two decades. Because of the declining bargaining coverage, calls for a stabilisation of the collective bargaining system are increasing. In this context, the greater use of the extension mechanism could play an important role. This article analyses the historical development of the instrument and explains different proposals for reforming the extension mechanism put forward by political parties and trade unions.     

A class of multiattribute utility functions

A function u(z) is a utility function if u′(z) > 0. It is called risk averse if we also have u′′(z) < 0. Some authors, however, require that u ⁽ⁱ⁾(z) > 0 if i is odd and u ⁽ⁱ⁾(z) < 0 if i is even. The notion of a multiattribute utility function can be defined by requiring that it is increasing in each variable and concave as an s-variate function. A stronger condition, similar to the one in case of a univariate utility function, requires that, in addition, all partial derivatives of total order m should be positive if m is odd and negative if m is even. In this paper, we present a class of functions in analytic form such that each of them satisfies this stronger condition. We also give sharp lower and upper bounds for E[u(X ₁,... , X _s )] under moment information with respect to the joint probability distribution of the random variables X ₁,... , X _s assumed to be discrete and representing wealths. Partially supported by OTKA grants F-046309 and T-047340 in Hungary.     

Macroeconomic effects of Slovenia’s integration in the Euro Area

On 1 January 2007, Slovenia entered the Euro Area as the first of the ten new EU member states. By means of simulations with SLOPOL6, a macroeconometric model of the Slovene economy, this paper examines which macroeconomic effects can be expected from this event. It is shown that Euro Area accession brings about temporarily higher real GDP growth, a permanently higher GDP level, more employment, temporarily lower inflation and a permanently lower price level. On the other hand, both public finances and the current account deteriorate.      

Annual Meeting of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG)

Call for Papers

Annual Meeting of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG)     

Field study with a computer-based office system

The authors describe a field study of computer-based aids in the office. The study was based on the assumption that a computer system should prove itself under realistic everyday conditions. The results show that advanced technology can be effectively applied at the executive level, where unstructured and variable activities are to be supported. Thus the authors do not confine themselves to technical issues - personal and organizational factors are also taken into account. The main aspects examined are system utilization, training and introduction strategy.     

Annual Meeting of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG)

Call for Papers

Annual Meeting of the Austrian Economic Association (NOeG)     

Experimental Evidence for Attractions to Chance

Divide the decision-maker's future into: (i) a pre-outcome period (lasting from the decision until the outcome of that decision is known), and (ii) a sequel post-outcome period (beginning when the outcome becomes known). Anticipated emotions in both periods may influence the decision, in particular, with regard to an outcome that matters to the person, the enjoyable tension from not yet knowing what this outcome will be. In the experiments presented, lottery choice can be explained by this attraction to chance, and cannot be explained by either convex von Neumann–Morgenstern utility, or by rank-dependent risk-loving weights: attraction to chance is a separate motivator.     

On Austrian Economics and the Economics of Carl Menger

This paper gives an overview of the work of Carl Menger, the founding father of the Austrian School of Economics. Menger’s theoretical and methodological positions are compared and contrasted with those of contemporary Austrian Economics. The idea of the unintended consequences of individual purposive actions is seen as a key to Menger’s economics. Although many elements of contemporary Austrian Economics can be found already in the work of Menger, we argue that there are some differences with respect to economic theorizing and economic policy recommendations. We propose to bring Austrian Economics closer to mainstream economics, especially with respect to the analytical tools to be used.