Lance Taylor (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195145465
- eISBN:
- 9780199783960
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195145465.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
Reports on the effects of the fundamental economic policy shift in transition and developing countries after the mid‐1980s. Since that time, the “external liberalization” of international trade and ...
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Reports on the effects of the fundamental economic policy shift in transition and developing countries after the mid‐1980s. Since that time, the “external liberalization” of international trade and finance has been among the principal forces for increasing global integration. This wave of deregulation was the central feature of globalization for the non‐industrialized world. The chapters in this book look at the experiences of nine countries – Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, India, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and Zimbabwe – and the often‐negative effects that liberalization has had on them. At best, the liberalization packages generated modest improvements in economic growth and distributional equity; at worst, they have been associated with increasing income inequality and slower growth, even in the presence of rising capital inflows. The country studies suggest that the effects of liberalization on growth, employment, and income distribution emerge from a complex set of forces on both the supply and demand sides of the economy. Redistribution of income and production across industries (typically from those producing traded goods to those producing nontraded goods) and groups within the labor force (typically from unskilled to skilled), as well as adverse shifts in “macro” prices such as real wage, interest, and exchange rates are part of the process. This degree of complexity and most of the unfavorable effects of deregulation were not anticipated, and are only now being widely recognized. The implication is that the liberalization strategy needs to be rethought. The contributors include policy recommendations for often‐overlooked problems and challenges posed by globalization.Less
Reports on the effects of the fundamental economic policy shift in transition and developing countries after the mid‐1980s. Since that time, the “external liberalization” of international trade and finance has been among the principal forces for increasing global integration. This wave of deregulation was the central feature of globalization for the non‐industrialized world. The chapters in this book look at the experiences of nine countries – Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, India, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, and Zimbabwe – and the often‐negative effects that liberalization has had on them. At best, the liberalization packages generated modest improvements in economic growth and distributional equity; at worst, they have been associated with increasing income inequality and slower growth, even in the presence of rising capital inflows. The country studies suggest that the effects of liberalization on growth, employment, and income distribution emerge from a complex set of forces on both the supply and demand sides of the economy. Redistribution of income and production across industries (typically from those producing traded goods to those producing nontraded goods) and groups within the labor force (typically from unskilled to skilled), as well as adverse shifts in “macro” prices such as real wage, interest, and exchange rates are part of the process. This degree of complexity and most of the unfavorable effects of deregulation were not anticipated, and are only now being widely recognized. The implication is that the liberalization strategy needs to be rethought. The contributors include policy recommendations for often‐overlooked problems and challenges posed by globalization.
Thomas von Ungern-Sternberg
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199268818
- eISBN:
- 9780191600890
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199268819.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
Compares the market for property insurance in five European countries, Britain, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany. The comparisons are of particular interest, as the regulatory frameworks vary ...
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Compares the market for property insurance in five European countries, Britain, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany. The comparisons are of particular interest, as the regulatory frameworks vary widely from country to country and so do the market outcomes, both in terms of premium level and in terms of available insurance cover. In particular, the state insurance monopolies in Spain and parts of Switzerland permit property owners to obtain global cover against a wide range of natural damages (including floods) at a very low premium rate. The premiums of private insurance companies are much higher because they typically spend more than one third of premium income on commissions and administrative costs. State monopolies are considerably more efficient in this respect.In several countries, insurance against occurrences such as floods is not available in competitive insurance systems, or it is offered only to the better risks. This is probably due to problems of adverse selection. For compulsory state monopolies, adverse selection is not an issue.Less
Compares the market for property insurance in five European countries, Britain, Spain, France, Switzerland, and Germany. The comparisons are of particular interest, as the regulatory frameworks vary widely from country to country and so do the market outcomes, both in terms of premium level and in terms of available insurance cover. In particular, the state insurance monopolies in Spain and parts of Switzerland permit property owners to obtain global cover against a wide range of natural damages (including floods) at a very low premium rate. The premiums of private insurance companies are much higher because they typically spend more than one third of premium income on commissions and administrative costs. State monopolies are considerably more efficient in this respect.
In several countries, insurance against occurrences such as floods is not available in competitive insurance systems, or it is offered only to the better risks. This is probably due to problems of adverse selection. For compulsory state monopolies, adverse selection is not an issue.
Hiroshi Oda
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199232185
- eISBN:
- 9780191705335
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199232185.001.1
- Subject:
- Law, Comparative Law
This text contains the latest edition of this book. It covers the basis of the Japanese legal system, the civil code, business related laws, and other laws including criminal law and procedure, and ...
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This text contains the latest edition of this book. It covers the basis of the Japanese legal system, the civil code, business related laws, and other laws including criminal law and procedure, and foreign relations law. Since the last edition, Japanese law has undergone major reform all of which is reflected in the new text. In particular, the new edition covers the new company law and the Financial Products Trading Law, both of which have been completely overhauled. After the ‘lost decade’ following the collapse of the ‘bubble economy’ in 1990, Japan has gone through a major reform — deregulation or ‘regulatory reform’. Accordingly, major changes took place in almost every area of law. There was a large-scale ‘Justice System Reform’ which encompassed various changes in the court system, the introduction of lay assessors in the criminal procedure, a new law school system, etc. Company law, which was embodied in the Commercial Code, was completely overhauled under a different concept and became a separate law — the Company Law of 2005. Securities and Exchange Law was replaced by the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law in 2006. Even the Civil Code, which had remained more or less unchanged (except for family and succession) since the late 19th century, has gone through significant changes. Certainly there are many positive results coming out of these reforms, but also there have been some doubtful changes. Thee outcome of the reforms of the past decade is yet to be assessed. These changes and their impact are covered in this book.Less
This text contains the latest edition of this book. It covers the basis of the Japanese legal system, the civil code, business related laws, and other laws including criminal law and procedure, and foreign relations law. Since the last edition, Japanese law has undergone major reform all of which is reflected in the new text. In particular, the new edition covers the new company law and the Financial Products Trading Law, both of which have been completely overhauled. After the ‘lost decade’ following the collapse of the ‘bubble economy’ in 1990, Japan has gone through a major reform — deregulation or ‘regulatory reform’. Accordingly, major changes took place in almost every area of law. There was a large-scale ‘Justice System Reform’ which encompassed various changes in the court system, the introduction of lay assessors in the criminal procedure, a new law school system, etc. Company law, which was embodied in the Commercial Code, was completely overhauled under a different concept and became a separate law — the Company Law of 2005. Securities and Exchange Law was replaced by the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law in 2006. Even the Civil Code, which had remained more or less unchanged (except for family and succession) since the late 19th century, has gone through significant changes. Certainly there are many positive results coming out of these reforms, but also there have been some doubtful changes. Thee outcome of the reforms of the past decade is yet to be assessed. These changes and their impact are covered in this book.
David A. Nadler and Michael L. Tushman
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195099171
- eISBN:
- 9780199854868
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195099171.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
If the defining goal of modern-day business can be isolated to just one item, it would be the search for competitive advantage. Competition is more intense than ever—technological innovation, ...
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If the defining goal of modern-day business can be isolated to just one item, it would be the search for competitive advantage. Competition is more intense than ever—technological innovation, consumer expectations, and government deregulation all combine to create more opportunities for new competitors to change the basic rules of the game. At the same time, most of the old reliable sources of competitive advantage are drying up: the strategies employed by GM, IBM, and AT&T to maintain their positions of dominance in the 1960s and 70s are now obsolete. The authors of this book argue that the last remaining source of truly sustainable competitive advantage lies in “organizational capabilities”: the unique ways each organization structures its work and motivates its people to achieve clearly articulated strategic objectives. The book argues that managers must understand the concepts and learn the skills involved in designing their organization to exploit their inherent strengths. All the reengineering, restructuring, and downsizing in the world will merely destabilize a company if the change doesn't address the fundamental patterns of performance—and if the change doesn't recognize the unique core competencies of that company. The authors draw upon specific cases to illustrate the design process in practice, and they provide a set of tools for using strategic organization design to gain competitive advantage. They present a design process, explore key decisions managers face, and list the guiding principles for incorporating the design function as a continuing and integral process.Less
If the defining goal of modern-day business can be isolated to just one item, it would be the search for competitive advantage. Competition is more intense than ever—technological innovation, consumer expectations, and government deregulation all combine to create more opportunities for new competitors to change the basic rules of the game. At the same time, most of the old reliable sources of competitive advantage are drying up: the strategies employed by GM, IBM, and AT&T to maintain their positions of dominance in the 1960s and 70s are now obsolete. The authors of this book argue that the last remaining source of truly sustainable competitive advantage lies in “organizational capabilities”: the unique ways each organization structures its work and motivates its people to achieve clearly articulated strategic objectives. The book argues that managers must understand the concepts and learn the skills involved in designing their organization to exploit their inherent strengths. All the reengineering, restructuring, and downsizing in the world will merely destabilize a company if the change doesn't address the fundamental patterns of performance—and if the change doesn't recognize the unique core competencies of that company. The authors draw upon specific cases to illustrate the design process in practice, and they provide a set of tools for using strategic organization design to gain competitive advantage. They present a design process, explore key decisions managers face, and list the guiding principles for incorporating the design function as a continuing and integral process.
Jordi Canals
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198773504
- eISBN:
- 9780191695322
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198773504.003.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy, Finance, Accounting, and Banking
This section discusses the factors that contribute to the changes experienced by the European banking industry, such as disintermediation, economic instability in international markets, deregulation ...
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This section discusses the factors that contribute to the changes experienced by the European banking industry, such as disintermediation, economic instability in international markets, deregulation in industrialized countries, and the creation of the European market in 1992. It considers the gradual integration of Eastern Europe into the economic system of the European Community as another factor of considerable interest. The chapter emphasizes that this book aims to describe the principal forces of change in the European banking industry and analyse the strategies of the more influential enterprises operating in this sector. It points out that the behaviour of 25 commercial banks in five European countries has been studied to achieve this objective and reports that the analysis is based mainly on information obtained from interviews with bank directors and documentation made public by the banks themselves.Less
This section discusses the factors that contribute to the changes experienced by the European banking industry, such as disintermediation, economic instability in international markets, deregulation in industrialized countries, and the creation of the European market in 1992. It considers the gradual integration of Eastern Europe into the economic system of the European Community as another factor of considerable interest. The chapter emphasizes that this book aims to describe the principal forces of change in the European banking industry and analyse the strategies of the more influential enterprises operating in this sector. It points out that the behaviour of 25 commercial banks in five European countries has been studied to achieve this objective and reports that the analysis is based mainly on information obtained from interviews with bank directors and documentation made public by the banks themselves.
Rohit
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780198088417
- eISBN:
- 9780199082292
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198088417.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics
Why is the world economy in such turmoil? This is a question which has implications not just for the economics discipline but also the lives of millions of working people across the world. That it ...
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Why is the world economy in such turmoil? This is a question which has implications not just for the economics discipline but also the lives of millions of working people across the world. That it has continued for so long with barely any signs of abating has created a void in economic theory in general and policy in particular. Another aspect of this crisis is its increasing spread which has practically taken over the entire first world with some early signs of spreading into the so-called emerging economies as well. Explanations of the present crisis have primarily focussed on financial deregulation in the US economy. However, this book argues that while deregulation definitely aided it, it cannot be the basis for the crisis. First, it is akin to arguing that a lax anti-crime law can explain the incidence of crime itself. Second, and more importantly, with regulation not just the downturn but even the boom would have been tempered. Instead of concentrating on the financial side alone, this work attempts to bring the real economy into focus by using a heterodox framework which challenges the current dominant thinking in the discipline. It examines, theoretically and empirically, whether increased income and wealth inequalities and business concentration contributed to the instability in the US economy. The answer to this question lies at the heart of understanding the present economic crisis that has engulfed the world economy.Less
Why is the world economy in such turmoil? This is a question which has implications not just for the economics discipline but also the lives of millions of working people across the world. That it has continued for so long with barely any signs of abating has created a void in economic theory in general and policy in particular. Another aspect of this crisis is its increasing spread which has practically taken over the entire first world with some early signs of spreading into the so-called emerging economies as well. Explanations of the present crisis have primarily focussed on financial deregulation in the US economy. However, this book argues that while deregulation definitely aided it, it cannot be the basis for the crisis. First, it is akin to arguing that a lax anti-crime law can explain the incidence of crime itself. Second, and more importantly, with regulation not just the downturn but even the boom would have been tempered. Instead of concentrating on the financial side alone, this work attempts to bring the real economy into focus by using a heterodox framework which challenges the current dominant thinking in the discipline. It examines, theoretically and empirically, whether increased income and wealth inequalities and business concentration contributed to the instability in the US economy. The answer to this question lies at the heart of understanding the present economic crisis that has engulfed the world economy.
Jamie Peck
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199580576
- eISBN:
- 9780191595240
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580576.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
Amongst intellectuals and activists, neoliberalism has become a potent signifier for the kind of free-market thinking that has dominated politics for the past three decades. Forever associated with ...
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Amongst intellectuals and activists, neoliberalism has become a potent signifier for the kind of free-market thinking that has dominated politics for the past three decades. Forever associated with the conviction politics of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, the free-market project has since become synonymous with the ‘Washington Consensus’ on international development policy and the phenomenon of corporate globalization, where it has come to mean privatization, deregulation, and the opening up of new markets. But beyond its utility as a protest slogan as a shorthand signifier for the political-economic Zeitgeist, what do we know about where neoliberalism came from and how it spread? Who are the neoliberals, and why do they studiously avoid the label? This book presents a radical critique of the free-market project, from its origins in the first half of the 20th century through to its near-death experience in the recent global economic crisis, from the utopian dreams of Friedrich von Hayek, through the dogmatic theories of Milton Friedman and the Chicago School, to the hope and hubris of Obamanomics. The book traces how neoliberalism went from crank science to common sense in the period between the Great Depression and the age of Obama. It is an exploration of the antisocial life of the free-market project, examined in its cradles of invention and in its zones of extension and contestation. In the process, the book elaborates (and puts to work) an understanding of neoliberalism as an adaptive, unevenly developed regulatory project.Less
Amongst intellectuals and activists, neoliberalism has become a potent signifier for the kind of free-market thinking that has dominated politics for the past three decades. Forever associated with the conviction politics of Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, the free-market project has since become synonymous with the ‘Washington Consensus’ on international development policy and the phenomenon of corporate globalization, where it has come to mean privatization, deregulation, and the opening up of new markets. But beyond its utility as a protest slogan as a shorthand signifier for the political-economic Zeitgeist, what do we know about where neoliberalism came from and how it spread? Who are the neoliberals, and why do they studiously avoid the label? This book presents a radical critique of the free-market project, from its origins in the first half of the 20th century through to its near-death experience in the recent global economic crisis, from the utopian dreams of Friedrich von Hayek, through the dogmatic theories of Milton Friedman and the Chicago School, to the hope and hubris of Obamanomics. The book traces how neoliberalism went from crank science to common sense in the period between the Great Depression and the age of Obama. It is an exploration of the antisocial life of the free-market project, examined in its cradles of invention and in its zones of extension and contestation. In the process, the book elaborates (and puts to work) an understanding of neoliberalism as an adaptive, unevenly developed regulatory project.
Sugata Marjit and Saibal Kar
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198071495
- eISBN:
- 9780199081257
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198071495.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
The informal economy has emerged as one of the most dynamic, active, and hotly-debated domains in the entire developing world. Unfortunately, it remains one of the least treated subjects in ...
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The informal economy has emerged as one of the most dynamic, active, and hotly-debated domains in the entire developing world. Unfortunately, it remains one of the least treated subjects in mainstream economic theory and development economics. This book provides a detailed theoretical overview and analytical understanding of informal labour markets in the context of economic reforms. Grounded in the neo-classical general equilibrium framework, it analyses the impact of deregulatory policies on the welfare of informal workers in a segmented labour market. Using empirical data and case studies, the book discusses how informal wage responds to unemployment in the formal sector by exploring the interactions between the formal and the informal labour markets. The book also examines institutional factors—political, economic, and governance mechanisms—to explore the major causes that sustain or impede the dynamism of the informal labour markets.Less
The informal economy has emerged as one of the most dynamic, active, and hotly-debated domains in the entire developing world. Unfortunately, it remains one of the least treated subjects in mainstream economic theory and development economics. This book provides a detailed theoretical overview and analytical understanding of informal labour markets in the context of economic reforms. Grounded in the neo-classical general equilibrium framework, it analyses the impact of deregulatory policies on the welfare of informal workers in a segmented labour market. Using empirical data and case studies, the book discusses how informal wage responds to unemployment in the formal sector by exploring the interactions between the formal and the informal labour markets. The book also examines institutional factors—political, economic, and governance mechanisms—to explore the major causes that sustain or impede the dynamism of the informal labour markets.
Francesca Carnevali
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199257393
- eISBN:
- 9780191603846
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199257396.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Economic History
This chapter concludes the book by assessing the impact of banking deregulation since the 1980s on the structure of the banking systems of the four countries. The combined forces of liberalization ...
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This chapter concludes the book by assessing the impact of banking deregulation since the 1980s on the structure of the banking systems of the four countries. The combined forces of liberalization and increased supra-state supervision (the Basle Capital Accords) are seen as having a negative impact on credit provision to small firms.Less
This chapter concludes the book by assessing the impact of banking deregulation since the 1980s on the structure of the banking systems of the four countries. The combined forces of liberalization and increased supra-state supervision (the Basle Capital Accords) are seen as having a negative impact on credit provision to small firms.
Roy C. Smith and Ingo Walter
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195171679
- eISBN:
- 9780199783618
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195171675.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Microeconomics
This chapter examines the fundamental effects related to the evolving dominance of capital markets. By the end of the 20th century, the proportion of all financial assets held by banks had declined ...
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This chapter examines the fundamental effects related to the evolving dominance of capital markets. By the end of the 20th century, the proportion of all financial assets held by banks had declined to approximately 30% from 45% in 1980, with the difference transferred to global financial markets that had developed to an extraordinary, completely unprecedented size with market capitalization of stocks and bonds exceeding $72 trillion in 2000. These markets contained powerful forces that could quickly move funds in large quantities around the world to jump into (or out of) a suddenly discovered investment opportunity. These forces were energized by enormous turnover volumes — the value of consolidated world stock trading in 2000 was more than $47 trillion, one and a half times its market capitalization. About half of this trading occurred outside the United States, in stock markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.Less
This chapter examines the fundamental effects related to the evolving dominance of capital markets. By the end of the 20th century, the proportion of all financial assets held by banks had declined to approximately 30% from 45% in 1980, with the difference transferred to global financial markets that had developed to an extraordinary, completely unprecedented size with market capitalization of stocks and bonds exceeding $72 trillion in 2000. These markets contained powerful forces that could quickly move funds in large quantities around the world to jump into (or out of) a suddenly discovered investment opportunity. These forces were energized by enormous turnover volumes — the value of consolidated world stock trading in 2000 was more than $47 trillion, one and a half times its market capitalization. About half of this trading occurred outside the United States, in stock markets in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Miguel A. Malo, Luis Toharia, and Jerôme Gautié
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Labour market reform in France has been very weak. Although measures such as the easing of fixed-term contracts and elimination of administrative authorisation for dismissals in 1986 were followed by ...
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Labour market reform in France has been very weak. Although measures such as the easing of fixed-term contracts and elimination of administrative authorisation for dismissals in 1986 were followed by a period of employment creation, it cannot be said that these were instrumental in employment recovery. Proponents of deregulation can use the French case to argue that more is required to solve unemployment. Critics can also use the French case to argue that institutional changes in the labour market do not improve employment and unemployment conditions.Less
Labour market reform in France has been very weak. Although measures such as the easing of fixed-term contracts and elimination of administrative authorisation for dismissals in 1986 were followed by a period of employment creation, it cannot be said that these were instrumental in employment recovery. Proponents of deregulation can use the French case to argue that more is required to solve unemployment. Critics can also use the French case to argue that institutional changes in the labour market do not improve employment and unemployment conditions.
Youssef Cassis and Eric Bussière (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199269495
- eISBN:
- 9780191710162
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269495.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Finance, Accounting, and Banking
London and Paris, the world's two leading financial centres in the 19th century, experienced differing fortunes during the 20th century. While London remained an international financial centre, ...
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London and Paris, the world's two leading financial centres in the 19th century, experienced differing fortunes during the 20th century. While London remained an international financial centre, Paris' influence declined. Yet over the last twenty years, deregulation, internationalization, and the advent of the single currency have reactivated their competition in ways reminiscent of their old rivalry before the First World War. This book provides a long-term perspective on the development of each centre, with special attention devoted to the pre-1914 years and to the last decades of the 20th century, and contrasts these two eras of globalization. The chapters include both archive-based and synthetic surveys. This comparison between Europe's two leading capital cities provides insights into two important subjects: the political economy of Britain and France in the 20th century and the history of two major international financial centres. As much as a comparison between London and Paris as international financial centres, this book is an Anglo-French comparison; in other words, it considers, through the prism of finance, several aspects of the two countries' economic, business, social, and political histories.Less
London and Paris, the world's two leading financial centres in the 19th century, experienced differing fortunes during the 20th century. While London remained an international financial centre, Paris' influence declined. Yet over the last twenty years, deregulation, internationalization, and the advent of the single currency have reactivated their competition in ways reminiscent of their old rivalry before the First World War. This book provides a long-term perspective on the development of each centre, with special attention devoted to the pre-1914 years and to the last decades of the 20th century, and contrasts these two eras of globalization. The chapters include both archive-based and synthetic surveys. This comparison between Europe's two leading capital cities provides insights into two important subjects: the political economy of Britain and France in the 20th century and the history of two major international financial centres. As much as a comparison between London and Paris as international financial centres, this book is an Anglo-French comparison; in other words, it considers, through the prism of finance, several aspects of the two countries' economic, business, social, and political histories.
Charles Weathers
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199241149
- eISBN:
- 9780191598920
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199241147.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Contemporary Japan is perhaps the ultimate product of ‘globalization’ in many respects. Forcibly opened to the world by the Western powers in the 1850s, the country has since focused its energies on ...
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Contemporary Japan is perhaps the ultimate product of ‘globalization’ in many respects. Forcibly opened to the world by the Western powers in the 1850s, the country has since focused its energies on achieving the greatest possible level of economic development. As a result, the union movement historically has been divided between a right wing, which advocates full cooperation with management and a left wing demanding more resources for social needs and programs. While unions on the right have long dominated organized labour's agenda, even these unions agreed by the 1980s that the labour movement had done too little to improve working conditions and living standards. However, the early 1990s saw the onset of a severe recession and ‘globalization’ (alternatively, a new ‘era of super‐competition’), prompting both businesses and the right‐wing unions to seek comprehensive deregulation of employment systems, against the faltering opposition of the left. As Japan shifts from its ‘paradigm’ of an industrial relations rooted in mass production and ‘lifetime employment’ to a more flexible, high tech–based economy, unions are emphasizing new strategies for protecting jobs in their own industries, and the labour movement's influence over general working conditions has been further eroded. Post‐war Japan's second ‘paradigm shift’ suggests that there are important limits to convergence, as unions spurn the social provisions of the EC, and cooperate with business to nurture Asia as an allied production base for Japan. In addition, those who regarded the Japanese employment system during the 1970s and 1980s as a ‘model’ for organizing cooperative industrial relations in industrializing societies have to confront the fact that the model itself is now in flux.Less
Contemporary Japan is perhaps the ultimate product of ‘globalization’ in many respects. Forcibly opened to the world by the Western powers in the 1850s, the country has since focused its energies on achieving the greatest possible level of economic development. As a result, the union movement historically has been divided between a right wing, which advocates full cooperation with management and a left wing demanding more resources for social needs and programs. While unions on the right have long dominated organized labour's agenda, even these unions agreed by the 1980s that the labour movement had done too little to improve working conditions and living standards. However, the early 1990s saw the onset of a severe recession and ‘globalization’ (alternatively, a new ‘era of super‐competition’), prompting both businesses and the right‐wing unions to seek comprehensive deregulation of employment systems, against the faltering opposition of the left. As Japan shifts from its ‘paradigm’ of an industrial relations rooted in mass production and ‘lifetime employment’ to a more flexible, high tech–based economy, unions are emphasizing new strategies for protecting jobs in their own industries, and the labour movement's influence over general working conditions has been further eroded. Post‐war Japan's second ‘paradigm shift’ suggests that there are important limits to convergence, as unions spurn the social provisions of the EC, and cooperate with business to nurture Asia as an allied production base for Japan. In addition, those who regarded the Japanese employment system during the 1970s and 1980s as a ‘model’ for organizing cooperative industrial relations in industrializing societies have to confront the fact that the model itself is now in flux.
Patrick Le Galés
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199250158
- eISBN:
- 9780191599439
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199250154.003.0022
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
This chapter deals with bottom up pressures on the state. It focuses on the challenges that cities and regions are posing to the nation state in Western Europe, rather than on the rise of ...
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This chapter deals with bottom up pressures on the state. It focuses on the challenges that cities and regions are posing to the nation state in Western Europe, rather than on the rise of ‘meso–government’ in Europe. It analyses three sets of pressures (the fragmentation of the public policy process; the competition for resources (finance) and the threat of impoverishment; and the legitimacy of the nation state – the deregulation of identity structuring), and the role that they play in the transformation of the state.Less
This chapter deals with bottom up pressures on the state. It focuses on the challenges that cities and regions are posing to the nation state in Western Europe, rather than on the rise of ‘meso–government’ in Europe. It analyses three sets of pressures (the fragmentation of the public policy process; the competition for resources (finance) and the threat of impoverishment; and the legitimacy of the nation state – the deregulation of identity structuring), and the role that they play in the transformation of the state.
Gøsta Esping‐Andersen and Marino Regini
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This introductory chapter sets up the main theme of this volume by presenting the two sides of the debate on labour market deregulation. Proponents of labour market deregulation argue that the closer ...
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This introductory chapter sets up the main theme of this volume by presenting the two sides of the debate on labour market deregulation. Proponents of labour market deregulation argue that the closer we are to pure, undisturbed market clearing, the better shall we be able to optimise welfare, efficiency, and employment goals. Critics emphasize the risks of deregulation and potential advantages of regulation. In the real world, however, regulatory or deregulatory reform is dominated by partial and piecemeal flexibilisation.Less
This introductory chapter sets up the main theme of this volume by presenting the two sides of the debate on labour market deregulation. Proponents of labour market deregulation argue that the closer we are to pure, undisturbed market clearing, the better shall we be able to optimise welfare, efficiency, and employment goals. Critics emphasize the risks of deregulation and potential advantages of regulation. In the real world, however, regulatory or deregulatory reform is dominated by partial and piecemeal flexibilisation.
Marino Regini
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the concepts of ‘flexibility’ and ‘deregulation’ used in the debate on labour markets. It argues that the outright deregulation of labour markets may be neither feasible nor ...
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This chapter examines the concepts of ‘flexibility’ and ‘deregulation’ used in the debate on labour markets. It argues that the outright deregulation of labour markets may be neither feasible nor beneficial in terms of greater flexibility. Both flexibility and deregulation have numerous meanings and a range of consequences, which should be carefully considered before taking any action.Less
This chapter examines the concepts of ‘flexibility’ and ‘deregulation’ used in the debate on labour markets. It argues that the outright deregulation of labour markets may be neither feasible nor beneficial in terms of greater flexibility. Both flexibility and deregulation have numerous meanings and a range of consequences, which should be carefully considered before taking any action.
Susanne Fuchs and Ronald Schettkat
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240524
- eISBN:
- 9780191599187
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240523.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although ...
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This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although deregulation did not yield positive employment effects, neither did it have the destructive effects claimed by opponents. The relaxation of requirements for fixed-term contracts neither boosted employment nor destroyed social cohesion.Less
This chapter examines labour market regulation in Germany. It argues that there is no clear evidence to support claims that labour laws reduced the flexibility of the labour market. Although deregulation did not yield positive employment effects, neither did it have the destructive effects claimed by opponents. The relaxation of requirements for fixed-term contracts neither boosted employment nor destroyed social cohesion.
Cristina Iannelli and Asunción Bonmatí
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199252473
- eISBN:
- 9780191601958
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199252475.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, European Union
Investigates differences and similarities in the school-to-work transition patterns in Italy and Spain and the institutional factors (education, labour market, and family) from which they originate. ...
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Investigates differences and similarities in the school-to-work transition patterns in Italy and Spain and the institutional factors (education, labour market, and family) from which they originate. The study highlights that the main differences in young people’s transitions between the two countries are accounted for by the extraordinary expansion of tertiary education and the massive use of temporary contracts in Spain. These two factors contribute to explaining country differences in the relationship between young people’s educational attainment and initial labour market outcomes. Despite these differences two important similarities between Italy and Spain emerge from the analyses: the vulnerability of young people’s position in their early occupational career and their strong dependence on the family of origin.Less
Investigates differences and similarities in the school-to-work transition patterns in Italy and Spain and the institutional factors (education, labour market, and family) from which they originate. The study highlights that the main differences in young people’s transitions between the two countries are accounted for by the extraordinary expansion of tertiary education and the massive use of temporary contracts in Spain. These two factors contribute to explaining country differences in the relationship between young people’s educational attainment and initial labour market outcomes. Despite these differences two important similarities between Italy and Spain emerge from the analyses: the vulnerability of young people’s position in their early occupational career and their strong dependence on the family of origin.
Peter Golding and Leo van Snippenburg
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198294740
- eISBN:
- 9780191598838
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198294743.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Over recent years, communications and media infrastructures in Western Europe have been subjected to two conflicting pressures. On the one hand, there have been many factors conducing to deregulation ...
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Over recent years, communications and media infrastructures in Western Europe have been subjected to two conflicting pressures. On the one hand, there have been many factors conducing to deregulation and opening‐up to market competition. On the other hand, many countries have witnessed renewed demands for cultural regulation, restricting the free flow of objectionable material. The juggling act required of governments in meeting these demands reflects the considerable inconsistency in public opinion. This chapter presents survey data regarding the general characteristics of public opinion about the proper boundaries between private and public decision‐making in broadcasting, and about the appropriate levels and forms of government intervention in communications (censorship).Less
Over recent years, communications and media infrastructures in Western Europe have been subjected to two conflicting pressures. On the one hand, there have been many factors conducing to deregulation and opening‐up to market competition. On the other hand, many countries have witnessed renewed demands for cultural regulation, restricting the free flow of objectionable material. The juggling act required of governments in meeting these demands reflects the considerable inconsistency in public opinion. This chapter presents survey data regarding the general characteristics of public opinion about the proper boundaries between private and public decision‐making in broadcasting, and about the appropriate levels and forms of government intervention in communications (censorship).
Melissa Fisher
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199251902
- eISBN:
- 9780191719059
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199251902.003.0011
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Business History
This chapter focuses on the initial entry of professional women on Wall Street. It locates women's accounts of corporate life in relation to historical factors, including and encompassing the context ...
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This chapter focuses on the initial entry of professional women on Wall Street. It locates women's accounts of corporate life in relation to historical factors, including and encompassing the context over women's legitimate place on Wall Street and the transformation of gendered relations amid the upheaval in institutional structures produced by global capitalism in the 1970s and 1980s. Drawing on life-history interviews, the chapter analyses the ways in which the first cohort of women in research drew on natural attributes of American femininity, such as conservative risk-averse behaviour, to legitimize their relationships with clients. It also examines the ways women pioneers in investment banking drew on supposedly masculine characteristics of calculated rationality and risk-taking to construct themselves as authoritative financial subjects. The chapter argues for historians to analyse the discourse of executives, including their talk about corporate culture, as a window onto the gendered construction of business on Wall Street.Less
This chapter focuses on the initial entry of professional women on Wall Street. It locates women's accounts of corporate life in relation to historical factors, including and encompassing the context over women's legitimate place on Wall Street and the transformation of gendered relations amid the upheaval in institutional structures produced by global capitalism in the 1970s and 1980s. Drawing on life-history interviews, the chapter analyses the ways in which the first cohort of women in research drew on natural attributes of American femininity, such as conservative risk-averse behaviour, to legitimize their relationships with clients. It also examines the ways women pioneers in investment banking drew on supposedly masculine characteristics of calculated rationality and risk-taking to construct themselves as authoritative financial subjects. The chapter argues for historians to analyse the discourse of executives, including their talk about corporate culture, as a window onto the gendered construction of business on Wall Street.
