bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human resource development as an occupational culture through organizational stories
Authors: Hansen Carol D. , Kahnweiler William M. , Wilensky Ava S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study investigated HRD as an occupational culture. Cultural patterns were derived from the analysis of subject‐generated stories of workplace experiences. Data were collected from HRD professionals employed by Fortune 500 companies. Exploratory findings suggest that HRD is a cultural entity that is more concerned with employee development and work autonomy than with overall business agendas.
Team building: An experimental investigation of the effects of computer‐based and facilitator‐based interventions on work groups
Authors: McClernon Timothy R. , Swanson Richard A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study examined the effects of using a group decision support system (GDSS) and outside facilitation support in a three‐hour team‐building process on the attainment of “team.” Twenty‐four preexisting work groups (N = 186) were randomly assigned to three treatments: (1) a facilitated team‐building process without computer support, (2) a facilitated team‐building process with computer support, and (3) normally scheduled meetings without a facilitation or computer support. Twelve dependent “team” measures were assessed using a self‐report questionnaire following the team‐building session (immediate effect) and following the next normally scheduled group meeting (delayed effect).On immediate‐effect measures, both facilitated team‐building processes resulted in higher member ratings of group process than ratings for meetings with no outside facilitation. On most measures, the positive immediate effects did not last over time, indicating that the three‐hour team‐building session was not effective. The implications for practice are severe in that both team building and GDSS technology are often implemented as one‐time interventions. It is common practice to use these techniques and/or methods as a three‐ to four‐hour component of a development session or as part of a specific task‐related meeting.
Strategic national HRD initiatives: Lessons from the management training program of Japan
Authors: Robinson Alan G. , Stern Sam 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFor more than forty years, the Management Training Program, introduced into Japan by U.S. occupation forces after World War II, has played a prominent role in Japan's long‐term strategy to disseminate sound management principles throughout its industry and government. Although it strongly influenced the development of the modern Japanese management style, MTP is hardly known outside of Japan. This article, for the first time, documents the complete history of MTP, assesses its impact on Japanese management thought and practice, and discusses the valuable lessons that the MTP experience offers for implementing HRD and management training programs on a national scale.
Feedback seeking behavior: A review of the literature and implications for HRD practitioners
Authors: Madzar Svjetlana 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe HRD literature has long neglected a construct of feedback seeking behavior (FSB). This construct has emerged and evolved primarily in the organizational behavior literature during the past decade. It is argued that awareness of the findings from this literature could have a significant impact on current HRD practices. This article explores theoretical and empirical research on FSB. It examines both the individual and situational factors that affect feedback seeking and the effects of feedback seeking on the individual and the organization. Obstacles to feedback seeking are discussed in light of intervention possibilities. In conclusion, the author focuses on the implications for training and organization development practices.
What do we know about aid's macroeconomic impact? An overview of the aid effectiveness debate
Authors: White Howard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper reviews the academic literature on the macroeconomic impact of development aid, with a special emphasis on the question as to whether, as claimed by much of the empirical literature, aid does not increase growth. The inadequate theoretical foundation of models of aid's impact on savings, in particular their failure to consider economy‐wide effects, make them a poor basis for conclusions about aid's impact. The combination of weak theory with poor econometric methodology makes it difficult to conclude anything about the relationship between aid and savings. The literature on the relationship between aid and growth suffers from similar problems. Country‐level studies of aid's impact on a range of macroeconomic variables are required which may build on the relatively small existing literature in this area.
On the chronically poor in rural India
Authors: Gaiha Raghav 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDespite a voluminous literature on, and a growing concern for, alleviation of poverty in rural India, few analyses of chronic poverty are available. Utilizing a panel survey of rural households a characterization of the chronically poor is presented here. Contrary to some assertions in the literature, a logit analysis shows that moderately poor households faced a high risk of chronic poverty, and a subset of these were more prone to this risk than the poorest. The effect of adverse weather conditions on the risk of chronic poverty was positive but weak, while that of technological advancement was negative. The claim that the chronically poor are distinguishable not so much by low income in a year as by low variation in income over a period of time is supported by two decompositions. On the basis of the first decomposition it is shown that the chronically poor recorded the lowest variation in household income, and the bulk of this variation was due to the variation in wages over the survey period. The second decomposition, while confirming the lowest variation in per capita income among the chronically poor over the survey period, emphasizes the critical role of earnings per worker. Considering that differences in earnings per worker reflect the combined influence of differences in endowments, and in the ability to augment earnings from them, it follows that effectiveness of anti‐poverty interventions is conditional on whether the endowments and/or the ability of the chronically poor to augment their earnings from them can be raised substantially. What specific interventions are necessary cannot of course be inferred from this (essentially descriptive) analysis.
The role of dowries and daughters' marriages in the accumulation and distribution of capital in a South Indian Community
Authors: Heyer Judith 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article reports a south Indian case of anti‐female bias among the propertied elite in a relatively advanced agrarian economy that is increasingly differentiated. Women have become the vehicles of capital transfer. Expenditures on daughters' marriages have been rising as dowries have been introduced. A discussion of the costs and benefits of daughters to natal households makes it clear that daughters have become serious liabilities. ‘Son preference’ or ‘daughter antipathy’ is reflected in the presence of substantially more sons than daughters among surviving offspring. The article suggests that daughters may be increasingly at risk as the agrarian economy develops. Further research is required to test this hypothesis.
Privatization and regulation in Turkey: An assessment
Authors: Karatas Cevat 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper provides a comprehensive discussion of the privatization policy that has been implemented in Turkey between 1987 and 1991. After a brief discussion of the problems of the state economic enterprises (SEES) which have led to introduction of the privatization practice in Turkey, the paper focuses on major implications of privatization in the country, including a detailed exposition of sale methods, share ownership and the role of the capital market. The highest objectives of privatization are to promote competition and improve efficiency of public enterprises, to develop the capital markets in Turkey and to ensure wider distribution of shares. However, the following points have been raised in the paper: first, in the course of privatization the selling strategy favoured block sales to domestic and foreign institutions rather than individuals where the basic goal of wider share ownership envisaged by the government has been overlooked. Secondly, Turkey has been very cautious in preserving a ‘golden share’ in a number of the privatized enterprises. Thirdly, the size and depth of the capital market has remained restricted and has been dominated by the public sector securities. By and large, investors in Turkey seem to focus on dividends and interest income rather than on capital gains or equity shares. Despite some positive trends in stocks trading in recent years, this has been achieved by governmental intervention in the stock market and the money market. It is expedient for the government to reduce the interest rates on bank deposits and the interbank interest rates, and to control more effectively the rising internal borrowing of the public sector. Fourthly, it is concluded that the question of regulation has been rather overlooked in the privatization of the airport service company which had previously enjoyed considerable monopoly power. There is a need for a ‘regulatory body’ to control monopolistic behaviour and to regulate pricing policies of private monopolies. Finally, implementation of privatization has been constrained because of the presence of chronic inflation, high interest rates and mounting internal and external debts.
Obstacles to trade liberalization and economic cooperation among west African states
Authors: Gebremariam Yilma 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDoes the formation of a customs union reduce and eventually eliminate tariffs among member countries to provide mechanisms or regional institutions for social, economic and political development? The literature examined suggests that, although many problems of trade liberalization continue to occur, greater benefits could be obtained by reducing tariffs on a non‐discriminatory basis, or by removing protection from domestic enterprises altogether, and by importing domestic requirements of the products of displaced industries from outside at world market prices. The literature also provides a valid case for protecting certain activities in ECOWAS — particularly trade and industrial enterprises — either for the purpose of increasing income or the rate of economic growth, or in order to achieve certain non‐economic objectives. The implications of economic integration in these terms can best be examined within a broader theoretical framework of developmental theory of trade liberalization.
The productivity of commercial agriculture in Zimbabwe, 1970–89
Authors: Thirtle Colin , Atkins Jon , Bottomley Paul , Gonese Nancy , Govereh Jones 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper constructs an index of total factor productivity (TFP) for the period 1970–89, from the farm production accounts for the commercial sector. TFP grew at an average rate of 3 per cent per annum over the period, which is impressive. The index suggests that, despite the change in government policy that has redirected resources towards the Communal Lands, the sales of commercial farms and the political uncertainty faced by commercial farmers, the TFP growth rate has probably increased since independence. However, disaggregation provides evidence that the commercial farmers have been reluctant to invest, and that the minimum wage legislation and other factors have reduced employment in the sector.
NGOs and public policy reform: Lessons from Peru
Authors: Dawson Elsa L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper analyses a range of strategies used by Peruvian nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to increase the impact of their work by influencing government policy at district and national levels. Lessons of experience are drawn from real‐life case studies, and a preliminary attempt is made to identify key conclusions for policy and practice. Both internal and contextual constraints and opportunities are reviewed. The research forms part of a wider programme aimed at identifying key issues for the Save the Children Fund (SCF) in relation to support for indigenous intermediary NGOs.
Towards a political economy of transition in Eastern Europe
Authors: Neuber Alexander 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper seeks to develop an interdisciplinary approach to the transition problems of Eastern Europe by building on the theory of institutional change of Douglass North. It highlights the interdependence of economic, political, institutional and cultural factors in the policy environment of transition economies. On that basis, it argues that most economic transition strategies suffer from two deficiencies: (1) a neglect of the implications of institutional inertia and (2) a reductionist view of politics. Institutional negligence has led to overly confident policy design, while the political short‐termism of reformers has provided a radicality bias, resulting in policy overshooting and political destabilization.
Does economic reform harm the environment? A review of structural adjustment in Malawi
Authors: Cromwell Elizabeth , Winpenny James 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe authors propose a simple structured approach to analysing the environmental effects of economic reform, which they believe offers a more powerful analytic framework to researchers and policy‐makers in this important area. The case study is Malawi, which during the last decade has implemented several Structural Adjustment Programmes and related reforms. Focusing on the estate sector and small farmers, the authors describe essential features of Malawi and its environment, review the relevant exogenous and structural problems, and assess the environmental impact of the various reform measures undertaken. By focusing on four dimensions—spatial extent (extensive frontier), scale of production, product mix and technique of production— the authors are able to come to rather more sharply‐focused conclusions than previous similar studies.
Management of water supply and sanitation projects in maharashtra state, India
Authors: Morvaridi Behrooz 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe effective incorporation of linkages between sanitation, environmental pollution and socioeconomic dimensions into routine programme and project decisions is necessary if projects are to be sustainable. The project cycle does not always reflect an interdisciplinary approach to development and often suffers from a technical bias. Where several sectors are included in project designs, they are often considered in isolation from each other in appraisal. Environmental problems are often the cumulative result of interacting factors and therefore the question of sustainability warrants a flexible approach in project design and implementation.
Aid, the military and humanitarian assistance: An attempt to identify recent trends
Authors: Randel Judith 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper is in three parts. The first looks at recent trends in expenditure on humanitarian assistance and post‐cold war shifts in thinking: on sovereignty and intervention; on peacekeeping and ODA; and on the changing role of defence and security. The second looks at collaboration between aid agencies, NGOs and the military on the ground, and the responsibility for costs and policy. The third makes some comments on the extent to which humanitarian assistance and peace enforcement are compatible and suggests considerations for future collaboration.
Losses of tariff preferences and the export performance of less‐developed countries
Authors: Macphee Craig R. , Oguledo Victor Iwuagwu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents cross‐sectional estimates of influences on the shares of individual LDCs in US import markets during years in which US tariffs rose. The tariff increases were specific to country and product and they resulted from the withdrawal of benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences. The paper confirms the hypotheses that the negative impact of a tariff increase is stronger (a) the more elastic is the import demand, (b) the slower is the growth in demand, and (c) the smaller is the cost or quality advantage of an LDC. The latter is measured by several proxies, such as initial market shares and exchange rate changes.
The adjustment towards national solvency in developing countries: An application to india
Authors: Ghatak Subrata , Levine Paul 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA small macromodel of the Indian economy is used to examine the cost of adjustment required by national solvency. The cost is compared with the corresponding cost if India were to repudiate its debts and experience financial autarky as a consequence. Our empirical results suggest that a small drop in the trend growth rate, resulting from a loss of foreign investment and lending to the domestic sector, is sufficient to deter reneging; but only if the government is sufficiently far‐sighted and chooses a discount rate of 5 per cent (or less) a year. If the Indian government were to discount at a 10 per cent rate per annum, then the drop in trend growth of as much as 4 per cent is insufficient to deter reneging. Debt relief generally improves the relative attractiveness of debt repayment. But with a 10 per cent discount rate, even writing off 75 per cent of India's external debt fails to make debt repayment incentive compatible.
Theory and measurement of living levels: Some empirical results for the human development index
Authors: Doessel D. P. , Gounder Rukmani 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn 1990 the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) published the human development index (HDI), a new measure that provides a means by which inter‐country and intertemporal comparisons of living levels can be undertaken. This paper has three objectives. Firstly, the various concepts and measures that can be used for inter‐country and intertemporal comparisons are described so as to put this new measure in perspective with respect to the existing literature. Secondly, the conceptual basis of the HDI is described and it is shown that the index actually calculated by UNDP is, in fact, only one of three possible measures of the general conception of human development stated by UNDP. Thirdly, empirical analysis of the two more important measures of the HDI indicates that there are some important differences between the measures. Absolute values and the ranking characteristics of the three measures of the HDI are examined. These differences may be quite important if the HDI is used as an explanatory variable in economic or social analyses.
Sectoral targeting: Auto manufacture in Korea and Taiwan
Authors: Auty R. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPolicies to establish auto assembly were premature in both Taiwan and Korea: domestic demand in neither country was of an adequate size to support viable local production before the 1980s. Skill acquisition also lagged behind. Korea overcame the domestic market scale constraint in the mid‐1980s by exploiting a fortuitous export opportunity before boosting domestic demand while simultaneously liberalizing auto imports. Taiwan shadowed Korean development with less consistency, less determination and less success. But the long‐term benefits of entry are unclear: maturation rates have been too long while the diffusion of lean technology has shrunk the scope for exporting on a scale similar to Japan at a similar stage in its product cycle.
Has a fertility transition begun in West Africa?
Authors: Onuoha Nelson C. , Timæus Ian M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper examines changing patterns of reproduction in two West African countries, Senegal and Ghana, which conducted both World Fertility Survey and Demographic and Health Survey enquiries. It aims to estimate fertility levels and trends in these countries, examine how changes in marriage, contraceptive use, breastfeeding and post‐partum abstinence are affecting family building patterns and discuss whether a fertility transition has begun. While fertility remains high in both Senegal and Ghana, it has begun to decline. In Ghana, the drop in fertility commenced in the late 1960s but has slowed recently. In Senegal, fertility decline began a decade later but is now more rapid. With these declines, residential and educational differentials in fertility have widened, particularly in Senegal. Both rises in ages at marriage and increases in the use of contraception have contributed to the fall in fertility. However, most women of high socieconomic status still want four or live children. Other women want even more. Although a transition to the control of fertility by contraceptive means has begun, the transition to low fertility may progress slowly.
Health policy in less developed countries: Past trends and future directions
Authors: Zwi Anthony B. , Mills Anne 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHealth policies worldwide have changed dramatically in the last few decades. We reflect upon these changes, highlight current trends and identity key issues and challenges as the year 2000 approaches. The article comprises five sections: (i) comments on concepts of health and of policy; (ii) historical developments which have influenced policy; (iii) discussion of the context within which health policies in low income countries are formulated and implemented, including macropolitical and macroeconomic developments, health needs and determinants, financing, approaches to health planning and priority setting, and the key international health policy actors; (iv) an overview of the content of current health policy proposals in less developed countries which considers the financing, organization and management of health systems and (v) a concluding section which identifies key issues for the coming years. The recent World Bank Development Report,Investing in Health(1993) and other health sector reform efforts, form the backdrop for this discussion.
Designing and implementing packages of essential health services
Authors: Bobadilla Jose‐Luis , Cowley Peter 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSince the publication of The 1993 World Development Report (WDR), a substantial amount of interest has been generated in the package of essential health services (PEHS) proposed within the Report. This study reviewed 18 package building exercises to answer key questions on feasibility, methods and short‐term benefits of such packaging. It was found possible to design a PEHS in the developing world with methods consuming fewer resources, yet still remain within WDR recommended guidelines. Designing the PEHS produces significant benefits to policy dialogue through the introduction of cost and effectiveness considerations in priority setting, but it is still too early to judge its effect on reallocation of resources and on health status.
Politics and economic policy reform: Trade liberalization in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Morrissey Oliver 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTrade policy reform, in the form of liberalization or removal of restrictions on trade, has been a predominant feature of economic policy reforms undertaken, to various degrees, by numerous sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries since 1980. This paper addresses the experiences of a range of SSA countries with trade liberalization. The results of recent cross‐country studies are summarized, concentrating on the elements of trade liberalization and the extent of reform, and the economic arguments reviewed. The paper then goes on to address why so few effective reforms have been implemented, with specific attention to the political and administrative capacities that motivate economic policy reform and constrain implementation. The paper concludes with recommendations on the appropriate timing and sequencing of liberalization to account for economic, political and administrative considerations.