According to neo-classical economic models, these rents should not exist in efficient markets. Most people will think of bribes and illegal campaign contributions when they hear rents. This book argues that rents need to be examined more closely and classifies rents as either positive or negative and argues that not all rents are negative. However, this same learning rent could be mismanaged. If the company squanders the money, the net society effect will be negative.
Rents can be either positive or negative and that depends entirely on the circumstances.
They are not as easily and simply classified. Professor Jomo relates this altered definition of rents to the Malaysian development. During the Asian financial crisis, many people cited the cause as crony capitalism and excessive rent seeking. They disapproved of the excessive government intervention and rents. He states that this is specifically related to the government's attention to reducing racial tensions between the minority Malays and the majority Bumiputras.