A Theory of Trade Union Membership Retention

The retention rate of unemployed members can vary substantially between trade unions and may not particularly reflect the structure of the labour market within which a union operates. This raises the issue of whether retention of these members is due to supply-side factors characterised by individuals or to the policy of trade unions towards their unemployed members.     

Strategic partnering in Eastern Europe

There are alternatives to the much-touted “joint venture” in Eastern Europe. Some of these, such as licensing and cooperation agreements, have actually been available for some time. Others, like wholly owned subsidiaries, mergers, and acquisitions, are in the early stages of development. Clearly, the pace of reform indicates it is time to rethink the conventional wisdom on corporate development in Eastern Europe.     

discovering the truth about aid

Economists in the House of Lords are rare; Russell Lewis interviews the celebrated sceptic of foreign aid - Lord Bauer, better known perhaps as Professor P. T. Bauer, and explores his still controversial views about inter-government aid and aspects of his eventful life.     

Financial reporting to employees: the pattern of development 1919 to 1979

This paper examines the literature on financial reporting to employees between 1919 and 1979. It finds that the level of publication interest has varied widely during the period as has the relative interest of accountant and non-accountant groups. Periods of heightened publication activity appear to repeatedly coexist with four major socioeconomic factors, and arguments that this coexistence is not coincidental are considered. Finally it is noted that the same reporting to employee issues are frequently recalled and re-examined; possible reasons for this are considered.     

Trade Liberalization and Pollution: An Input–Output Study of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Mexico

This paper examines the environmental effects associated with Mexico's participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The objective is to provide quantitative estimates of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from changes in the level and structure of production and consumption activity in Mexico following a liberalization of trade. The quantitative analysis was performed using input–output methods with fuel use modifications to account for CO₂ emissions before and after NAFTA's implementation. As a result of NAFTA, CO₂ emissions are expected to increase from the anticipated increase in the size of the Mexican economy. While total emissions increase as a result of tariff elimination, there is also a shift in the structure of production and final consumption away from those sectors that are the most C02 intensive.     

Suggestions for providing services to the handicapped in Latin America

This paper discusses some issues involved in the transfer of models of programmes for the handicapped from the US to Latin America. It argues that different needs require a re-evaluation of criteria of efficiency and the uses of professional help in Latin-American programmes. A variety of studies by international organizations concerned with services for the handicapped (in the context of provision of general health services) as well as this author's experience indicate that such services should be more closely tied to the community, provided in places that do not cost a great deal of money to construct or maintain, and delivered by local people who are involved in the daily lives of the recipients. This paper attempts to answer the question why Latin-American countries, despite such recommendations, continue to base their programmes on inappropriate and highly professionalized models from the US.