This paper explores the manner in which the structure of a social network constrains the level of inequality that can be sustained among its members. We assume that any distribution of value across the network must be stable with respect to coalitional deviations, and that players can form a...

Following the collapse of planning, new small and medium-sized firms rapidly emerged in all transition economies. Using firm level data, we investigate the interaction between the widespread opportunities for new business activities such firms faced and their business environment. The business...

This article provides new evidence on progress in transition and the 'readiness' for accession of enterprises in two EU applicant countries. A major innovation is to benchmark them against Spain. Approximately 200 manufacturing firms were surveyed in each of Poland, Romania and Spain....

This paper examines the relationship between firm performance and growth and the business environment in the countries of the South Asia Region -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka -- using firm-level data from the World Bank's Enterprise Surveys....

In this paper we look at how much of a burden the business environment can place on firms. For the first time, the BEEPS V round of business environment surveys conducted in 2012-14 included a question asking managers to predict their cost reductions if a range of obstacles to their operation...

This paper proposes an empirical approach to investigating how the structure of countries' financial and ownership systems and the characteristics of industries relate to industry activity in different countries. Activity is measured in 'abnormal' rather than absolute terms by the growth, fixed...

This paper evaluates the relations between industrial activity and the structure of financial systems, corporate sectors and legal arrangements in different countries. Using data from 20 OECD countries in 27 industries over the period 1970 to 1995, we evaluate whether there is a link between...