International Differences in the Business Practices and Productivity of Firms
International Differences in the Business Practices and Productivity of Firms

Author: Richard B. Freeman

Publisher: University of Chicago Press

Published: 2009-10-15

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 0226261956

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In recent years, globalization and the expansion of information technologies have reshaped managerial practices, forcing multinational firms to adjust business practices to different environments and domestic companies to adjust to their foreign competitors. In International Differences in the Business Practices and Productivity of Firms, a distinguished group of contributors examines the phenomenon of widespread differences in managerial practices across firms, establishments within firms, and countries. This volume brings together eight studies that combine qualitative and quantitative insider analysis of business practices such as the use of teams, incentive pay, lean manufacturing, and quality control, revealing the elements that determine which practices are adopted and why. International Differences in the Business Practices and Productivity of Firms offers a much-needed model for measuring the productivity and performance of international firms in a fast-paced global economy.

Work-Life Balance, Management Practices and Productivity
Work-Life Balance, Management Practices and Productivity

Author: Nicholas Bloom

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Many critics of free-market liberalism argue that higher product-market competition and the "Anglo-Saxon" management practices it stimulates increases productivity only at the expense of employees' work-life balance (WLB). The empirical basis of these claims is unclear. To address this issue we use an innovative survey tool to collect the first international data on management practices and work-life balance practices, surveying 732 medium sized manufacturing firms in the US, France, Germany and the UK. We find that WLB outcomes are significantly associated with better management, so that well run firms are both more productive and better for their employees. After controlling for management practices, however, we find no additional relationship between WLB and productivity. WLB practices are also not reduced by tougher competition, suggesting no deleterious effect of competition on employees' working environment. Finally, looking at multinationals we find that US subsidiaries in Europe adopt the superior management practices of their US parent firms but the local WLB practices of their European competitors.

OECD Economic Surveys: Greece 2018
OECD Economic Surveys: Greece 2018

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2018-04-30

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9264292543

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Greece is on track to recover from a deep depression. Reforms have gathered pace and fiscal consolidation has strengthened credibility, lowering uncertainty. Exports have led the expansion and labour market reforms have improved competitiveness, supporting employment growth,...

Reaping Digital Dividends
Reaping Digital Dividends

Author: Tim Kelly

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2017-04-14

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1464810273

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From East to West, the economies of Europe and Central Asia (ECA) are not taking full advantage of the internet to foster economic growth and job creation. The residents of Central Asia and the South Caucasus pay some of the highest prices in the world for internet connections that are slow and unreliable. In contrast, Europe enjoys some of the world’s fastest and affordable internet services. However, its firms and individuals are not fully exploiting the internet to achieve higher productivity growth as well as more and better jobs. Reaping Digital Dividends investigates the barriers that are holding back the broader adoption of the internet in ECA. The report identifies the main bottlenecks and provides policy recommendations tailored to economies at varying levels of digital development. It concludes that policies to increase internet access are necessary but not sufficient. Policies to foster competition, international trade and skills supply, as well as adapting regulations to the changing business environment and labor markets, will also be necessary. In other words, Reaping Digital Dividends not only requires better connectivity, but also complementary factors that allow governments, firms and individuals to make the most out of it.

Closing the Gender Gap Act Now
Closing the Gender Gap Act Now

Author: OECD

Publisher: OECD Publishing

Published: 2012-12-17

Total Pages: 354

ISBN-13: 9264179372

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This OECD report focuses on how best to close gender gaps under four broad headings: 1) Gender equality, social norms and public policies; and gender equality in 2) education; 3) employment and 4) entrepreneurship.

The Handbook of Organizational Economics
The Handbook of Organizational Economics

Author: Robert Gibbons

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 1248

ISBN-13: 0691132798

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(E-book available via MyiLibrary) In even the most market-oriented economies, most economic transactions occur not in markets but inside managed organizations, particularly business firms. Organizational economics seeks to understand the nature and workings of such organizations and their impact on economic performance. The Handbook of Organizational Economics surveys the major theories, evidence, and methods used in the field. It displays the breadth of topics in organizational economics, including the roles of individuals and groups in organizations, organizational structures and processes, the boundaries of the firm, contracts between and within firms, and more.

Global Perspectives on Achieving Success in High and Low Cost Operating Environments
Global Perspectives on Achieving Success in High and Low Cost Operating Environments

Author: Roos, Göran

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2014-03-31

Total Pages: 590

ISBN-13: 1466658290

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Competing in both high and low-cost operating environments can present a number of unique challenges. In light of global competition and the changing scope of various industries due to technological advancement, these challenges must be addressed in order to ensure business success. Global Perspectives on Achieving Success in High and Low Cost Operating Environments features a collection of research and case studies addressing contemporary issues surrounding operational success in various regions. Business professionals, managers, academics, and upper-level students will find this publication an essential resource for the latest tools and solutions for managing operations in diverse operating environments.

When the Crisis Becomes an Opportunity
When the Crisis Becomes an Opportunity

Author: Paola Paoloni

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-03-16

Total Pages: 429

ISBN-13: 3031219325

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This edited volume analyzes how the COVID-19 crisis could be transformed into opportunities for those organizations that correctly interpret the change, adapt their strategies accordingly, and increase their chances of success in a post-pandemic scenario. Through this lens, the female role and contribution to recovery are analyzed and discussed in the economic, financial and social context. Even if many aspects set the COVID-19 crisis apart from the latest global financial crises – such as the unusual shutdown of businesses in specific sectors, social distancing regulations, and general uncertainty sparked by the pandemic – the challenges facing all organizations in the current recovery phase can present an opportunity for extraordinary growth and development in Europe. The focus of the contributions gathered here is not on “counting” the damages and losses but rather on monitoring the recovery and on emerging instruments to support national and global economic recovery, while paying special attention to women’s role in it.

World Development Report 2016
World Development Report 2016

Author: World Bank Group

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2016-01-14

Total Pages: 359

ISBN-13: 1464806713

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"This Report aims to inspire and guide the researchers and practitioners who can help advance a new set of development approaches based on a fuller consideration of psychological and social influences." - p. 2

Work-life Integration in Africa
Work-life Integration in Africa

Author: Okechukwu E. Amah

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-07-12

Total Pages: 261

ISBN-13: 3030691136

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This book examines how individuals and organizations in Africa have found ways to integrate work and life roles effectively. It reflects on the notions that while many cultures have embraced women’s participation in the workplace, African culture has been more resistant to change thereby forcing companies and employees to invent their own solutions. This presents its own set of challenges, for example African organizations are generally not up to speed with the family-friendly policies that are required in the modern workplace; the effectiveness of such policies is questionable and there is an increasing realization that work-family policies are not the only way to achieve work-life integration and others may be considered, such as workplace mentoring and introducing incentives. With this in mind the authors consider multiple approaches to balancing work and life responsibilities with emphasis on three perspectives, namely organizational, individual and family and cultural. The book highlights and examines the joint responsibility that organizations, leaders and individuals have in achieving work life integration. Secondly the book considers why work-life integration initiatives fail and identifies the sources and remedies for these failures. Each chapter discusses the role of the identified dimensions necessary for collective achievement of work-life integration, while the final chapter sets out further research avenues and a conceptual framework that brings together the findings of the book.