This paper analyses the empirical determinants of contract length, a key andyet neglected dimension of contractual structure. I estimate contract length andcontract type jointly using original data on tenancy agreements signed between1870 and 1880 in the district of Siracusa, Italy.The findings...

The choice of cultivation techniques is a key determinant of agricultural productivityand has important consequences for income growth and poverty reductionin developing countries. Using household data from Nicaragua this papershows that the choice of cultivation techniques depends on farmers’...

The ability to cooperate in collective action problems — such as those relating to the useof common property resources or the provision of local public goods — is a key determinant ofeconomic performance. In this paper we discuss two aspects of collective action problemsin developing...

In this experimental study we analyze one individual and three collective punishment rules in a public good setting. We present evidence and explanations for differences between the rules concerning punishment intensity, contribution and profit levels, as well as justice. Finally, we investigate...

Beim V. C. (Risikokapital, Wagniskapital) handelt es sich um zeitlich begrenzteKapitalbeteiligungen an jungen, innovativen, nicht börsennotierten Unternehmen, diesich trotz zum Teil unzureichender laufender Ertragskraft durch einüberdurchschnittliches Wachstumspotential auszeichnen. Das...

Investors need performance measures particularly as a means for funds selection inthe process of ex-ante portfolio optimization. Unfortunately, there are various performancemeasures recommended for different decision situations. Since an investor may be uncertainwhich kind of decision problem is...