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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Ahmad, Issam Abdo (Lebanese American University); Fakih, Ali (Lebanese American University) |
| Abstract: | This paper attempts to study the relationship between firm legal form and firm performance in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA) using the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) database. Our analysis shows that open shareholding, closed shareholding, partnership, and limited partnership companies demonstrate an advantage in terms of annual sales and annual productivity growth rates over sole proprietorship firms, and that medium-sized and large-sized firms also demonstrate an advantage over small ones. Our analysis also shows that foreign ownership, exporting activities, the usage of the web in communication with clients and suppliers, and the presence of full-time workers positively affect firm performance. These findings are robust when running the analysis for firms with female participation in ownership. This paper provides directions for strategists targeting at improving the performance of firms. |
| Keywords: | legal form, firm performance, MENA region |
| JEL: | C10 G30 L25 |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14207&r=all |
| By: | Olfa Frini (ISCAE - Institut Supérieur de Comptabilité et d'Administration des Entreprises [Manouba] - UMA - Université de la Manouba [Tunisie]); Christophe Muller (AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) |
| Abstract: | We revisit fertility analysis in Tunisia by examining family interference in birth control through: woman's marriage age, post-marriage delay in the first use of contraception, past and current contraceptive use, and choice of the birth control methods. Using data from the 2001 PAP-FAM Tunisian survey, we find that the significant effects of covariates arise and vanish across stage-specific equations as women progress in their lifecycle. In Tunisia, family links and socio-cultural environment appear to greatly shape fertility regulation in the direction of higher fertility. This calls for more intensive involvement of the extended families in family planning policies. This also suggests that the resurgence of traditionalist politico-religious movements, often associated with youth radicalization, may affect future fertility in Tunisia through an increase in family influences on birth control by married women. |
| Keywords: | fertility regulation,age at marriage,birth control,family Interference,contraception,Tunisia |
| Date: | 2021–02 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-03153584&r=all |
| By: | Lopez-Acevedo, Gladys (World Bank); Devoto, Florencia (World Bank); Morales, Matias (World Bank); Roche Rodriguez, Jaime (World Bank) |
| Abstract: | The U-shape theory argues that at early stages of development, countries experience a reduction in the female labor force participation, eventually followed by a recovery. In Morocco, female labor force participation is now lower than it was two decades ago due to several factors that are discussed in the paper. There is also a persistent 50-percentage-points gender gap in labor force participation rates, despite improvements typically related to development and female inclusion—such as a higher gross domestic product per capita, lower fertility rates, and better access to education. At the same time, urban job creation has not been able to offset rural job destruction nor the increase in the working age population for both genders. Using data from the Moroccan Labor Force Survey, the World Values Survey, and the Arab Barometer, probit models and a multinomial logit are estimated to explore the challenges affecting female insertion into the labor market. The findings show that higher educational attainment increases the probability of female participation, but this relationship has decreased over time, not being enough to offset other obstacles caused by other individual and household characteristics. Being married and the presence of other inactive women are found to decrease female participation. The educational level of the head of household (typically men) increases female inactivity, suggesting that potentially gender roles may drive women out of the labor market and slow the recovery in women's participation. |
| Keywords: | Morocco, female, labor force participation |
| JEL: | J16 J21 O54 |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp14218&r=all |
| By: | Yasser Y. Tamsamani (UH2MC - Université Hassan II [Casablanca]); Brunet-Jailly Joseph; Abdellatif Komat; Fouzi Mourji |
| Abstract: | À partir d'une large revue des écrits théoriques et empiriques ainsi que des divers constats et diagnostics établis à propos du modèle économique marocain, nous développons des analyses pour expliciter les raisons et les mécanismes à l'origine des limites que connait le modèle qui a prévalu et qui prévaut au Maroc ; ensuite nous formulons des propositions de stratégies correctives avec un argumentaire fondé sur les conclusions des précédentes analyses. Dans ce mémorandum, nous mettons en exergue et tentons de justifier le rôle central que joue selon nous le partage primaire des richesses, en l'occurrence celui de la valeur ajoutée qui se fait au détriment des salaires. Les comparaisons internationales, dans une perspective historique, permettent de rapprocher le Maroc de la situation dans laquelle se trouvaient des pays ayant réussi leur émergence et développement. Nous montrons comment le partage actuel au Maroc perpétue les inégalités selon plusieurs canaux : il freine les progrès en matière d'éducation, favorise la concentration sur une classe de l'accumulation du capital (qui se traduit par une transmission intergénérationnelle des inégalités), ce qui compromet de ce fait la promotion de l'investissement productif, au profit de placements de rentes (comme dans l'immobilier) et donc inhibe les possibilités de gains de productivité et in fine explique l'atonie de la croissance. Mise en regard avec le rythme de progression de la population en âge de travailler, celle-ci explique pour une grande part l'importance du chômage au Maroc et la persistance de poches de précarité. Les recommandations auxquelles nous parvenons et que nous exposons sous forme de propositions touchent plusieurs volets. Par exemple la fiscalité du patrimoine : nous discutons 3 RéfÉco Working Paper n° 01/2019 du bien-fondé de la mise en place d'une telle fiscalité mais aussi des précautions à considérer. Nous relevons ensuite ce qui pourrait-être réalisé au niveau d'une politique nationale des rémunérations et en matière de politique de la concurrence. Un argumentaire est développé pour justifier les mesures que nous préconisons pour une réorientation de l'appareil productif national, ou pour un renouveau du syndicalisme et encore pour une moralisation des entreprises (avec notamment un encadrement de la sous-traitance). Soulignons cependant que chacune de ces propositions nécessite, pour être déclinée en mesures concrètes et nuancées, une analyse spécifique et de larges concertations, qui devraient intervenir après le débat national sur les grands traits du modèle de développement alternatif. Conscients du rôle tout aussi crucial de l'investissement en capital humain et en capital physique, deux annexes sont consacrés l'une à la politique éducative et l'autre aux conditions de promotion et de réussite de l'investissement productif (parmi lesquelles le rôle dévolu à la composante publique de l'investissement productif). Le choix de traiter ces deux grandes questions à part est inhérent au souci de maintenir une unité de la réflexion et des conclusions qui ressortent de la question du partage primaire des richesses. Cependant à l'image de la démarche adoptée pour traiter cette dernière, chacune des annexes comporte à la fois des analyses et argumentaires pour expliquer les raisons des diagnostics d'échec relevés et pour préparer et justifier les propositions que nous recommandons. De nos analyses à propos de l'investissement, il ressort que pour sortir l'économie marocaine de son actuelle atonie, il importe de repenser les choix en matière d'investissement public qui doivent privilégier les branches ayant des effets d'entraînement les plus larges sur l'économie et nous énonçons quelques critères de référence. Nous insistons sur l'opportunité de pousser les banques à mieux remplir leur rôle de financement du secteur productif. L'annexe relative à la politique éducative montre comment les biais proviennent en partie des sources d'inspiration sur lesquelles elle a été fondée au cours de l'histoire récente. En l'occurrence des rapports et orientations qui ne prennent pas suffisamment en compte les réalités propres du pays. Nous concluons qu'il importe de ne pas se contenter d'objectifs quantitatifs (nombre d'élèves inscrits), mais qu'au contraire, une place essentielle doit être réservée à l'acquisition de compétences et savoir-faire (mesurées, à tous les niveaux du système éducatif, par des tests mondialement reconnus). |
| Keywords: | Economie du développement,croissance économique,inégalités,partage de la valeur ajoutée,investissement public,éducation,Maroc |
| Date: | 2019–08–31 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-03104703&r=all |
| By: | Laure Dikmen (IAE - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises); Foued Cheriet (UMR MoISA - Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (Social and nutritional sciences) - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Montpellier SupAgro - Institut national d’études supérieures agronomiques de Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement) |
| Abstract: | This article aims to highlight the multidimensional character of asymmetry through four determinants: differential of partners' size, number of foreign partners, ownership structure and cultural distance; it also analyses the effects of asymmetry on IJV performance. Based on a quantitative study of 123 International Joint Ventures in Turkey, results show that Joint venture performance is not significantly linked to size, number of foreign partners and ownership structure. Only cultural distance has a positive and significant effect on Joint Venture performance. |
| Abstract: | Ce travail a pour objectif de rendre compte de la multidimensionnalité de l'asymétrie entre les partenaires à travers l'examen de 4 déterminants: les différences de taille, le nombre de partenaires étrangers, la structure du capital, et la distance culturelle. En second lieu, l'analyse a concerné les effets de ces déterminants de l'asymétrie sur la performance des coentreprises internationales. Le travail empirique est basé sur l'analyse de 123 joint ventures internationales en Turquie. Les résultats montrent que la performance n'est pas affectée par le déséquilibre de la structure capitalistique, le différentiel de taille ou le nombre de partenaires. Il y a seulement un effet positif de la distance culturelle, suggérant une conception constructive des alliances internationales. |
| Keywords: | M16,L25,L24,Turquie. JEL: F23,asymmetry,effects,international joint venture,performance,turkey,Asymmetry,Effects,International Joint Venture,Performance,Turkey Asymétrie,effets,coentreprises internationales |
| Date: | 2021–03–11 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-03166842&r=all |
| By: | Raouf Boucekkine (AMSE - Aix-Marseille Sciences Economiques - EHESS - École des hautes études en sciences sociales - AMU - Aix Marseille Université - ECM - École Centrale de Marseille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UCL IRES - Institut de recherches économiques et sociales - UCL - Université Catholique de Louvain); Mohammed Laksaci (Ecole Supérieure de Banque); Mohamed Touati-Tliba (ESC Alger - ESC Alger - ESC ALGER - ESC Alger) |
| Abstract: | We estimate the demand for money for monetary aggregates M1 and M2, and cash in Algeria over the period 1979-2019, and study its long-run stability. We show that the transaction motive is significant for all three aggregates, especially for the demand for cash, reflecting the weight of informal economy "practices". The elasticity of the scale variable is very close to unity for M2 and M1, and even equal to unity for cash demand (1.006). The elasticity of inflation is also significant for all three aggregates, although its level is higher in the case of cash demand (-6.474). Despite the persistence of certain financial repression mechanisms, interest rate elasticity is significant for all three aggregates, but higher for M1 and cash. The same observation is made for elasticity of the exchange rate, reflecting the effect of monetary substitution, especially for M1 and cash. Finally, our study concludes that the demand for money in terms of M1 remains stable, the same observation being confirmed for the M2 aggregate. However, the demand for fiat currency proves not to be stable. The consequences for the optimal design of monetary policy in Algeria are clearly stated. |
| Keywords: | monetary policy,money demand,long-run stability,resource-rich countries,Algeria,co-integration |
| Date: | 2021–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:wpaper:halshs-03120699&r=all |
| By: | Shrouq Al Maghlouth (King Faisal University, Hofuf, 31982, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia Author-2-Name: Author-2-Workplace-Name: Author-3-Name: Author-3-Workplace-Name: Author-4-Name: Author-4-Workplace-Name: Author-5-Name: Author-5-Workplace-Name: Author-6-Name: Author-6-Workplace-Name: Author-7-Name: Author-7-Workplace-Name: Author-8-Name: Author-8-Workplace-Name:) |
| Abstract: | Objective - This paper examines empirically the discourse on social change as represented in gender-related posts on English blogs written by Saudi bloggers. Slightly more than a decade ago, Saudi women were allowed and encouraged by the government to work in unconventional work environments (outside the fields of education and health care); this stirred controversy across the country. Methodology/Technique - This analysis is based on an understanding of discourse as both shaping and being shaped by social and cognitive contexts. In so doing, it approaches the data from a socio-cognitive perspective with a focus on the mental models underlying the discursive representations at hand. The adopted methodology is based on metaphor analysis due to the inherently cognitive nature of metaphors. Consequently, an eclectic approach combining insights from conceptual metaphor theory and critical theory analysis is used. Finding - Data analysis reveals two main findings. First, change is constructed cognitively as challenging and demanding for both women aspiring to work in unconventional professions and their supporters on authoritative and non-authoritative levels. This, however, clashes with the second finding, as in these blogs women are metaphorically constructed in an objectifying and victimizing manner. Novelty - Such a mismatch calls for a careful examination of some gender constraining cognitive constructions as they are, surprisingly, constructed and reproduced even within discourse attempting to empower women. Type of Paper - Empirical |
| Keywords: | Social Change; Critical Discourse Analysis; Women's Empowerment; Metaphor Analysis |
| JEL: | M14 Q56 |
| Date: | 2021–03–31 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gtr:gatrjs:gjbssr579&r=all |
| By: | Naser Amanzadeh (Tehran Institute for Advanced Studies, 17 East Daneshvar St.North Shirazi St., Mollasadra Blvd., Tehran, Iran.); Toshi H. Arimura (Faculty of Political Science and Economics & Research Institute for Environmental Economics and Management (RIEEM), Waseda University, 1-6-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan.); Mohammad Vesal (Assistant professor of Economics,Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave, Tehran, Iran.); Seyed Farshad Fatemi Ardestani (Assistant professor of Economics,Sharif University of Technology, Azadi Ave, Tehran, Iran.) |
| Abstract: | Climate change has a heterogeneous effect across poor and rich households due to differences in vulnerabilities and exposure. Yet, there are very few papers that provide estimates on the magnitude of climate impact across the income distribution. In this paper, we combine 21 rounds of household expenditure and income survey from 1998 to 2018 in Iran to construct a large sample of rural and urban households. Using within district variations in temperature, we show that a one Celsius degree increase in annual temperature respectively leads to an 8.1 and 4.7 percent decrease in rural and urban per capita expenditure. We find that the impact is twice the average effect for the poorest decile. Furthermore, we provide evidence that available household resources that determine vulnerabilities play a more important role than the difference in exposure to climate change. Our findings suggest that compensatory policies should target the poorest households as poverty is a stronger determinant of impact compared to being an agricultural earner or residing in already hot areas. |
| Keywords: | Climate Change, Expenditure distribution, Vulnerability, Poverty |
| JEL: | Q51 Q54 Q12 I32 D31 |
| Date: | 2021–03 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:was:dpaper:2007&r=all |
| By: | Rym Belgaroui (KFU - King Faisal University); Salah Ben Hamad (Université de Sfax - University of Sfax) |
| Abstract: | This study focuses on the impact of governance and more specifically on autonomy as a major dimension and mechanism in the context of higher education and its role in improving of the performance of education. Thus, the aim of our research is to address the close relationship between academic autonomy and the performance of public higher education institutions by taking the case of the University of Sfax as an example. The quantitative study of the different members of the Scientific Council of each institution shows that the governance of higher education, a key dimension of the health of the system, has a strong impact on the performance of higher education systems. |
| Keywords: | Higher education,Governance,Performance,Academic autonomy |
| Date: | 2021 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03140400&r=all |
| By: | Arman, Husan; Iammarino, Simona; Ibarra-Olivo, J. Eduardo; Lee, Neil |
| Abstract: | Kuwait combines rich-world national income with the Research and Development (R&D) spending of a developing country. This situation is unsustainable. This report uses the National System of Innovation (NSI) framework to investigate how the Kuwaiti government could increase private sector R&D spending. Based on a review of the existing literature and data alongside a survey of large Kuwaiti firms, we find that few of the necessary and sufficient conditions for a functioning NSI are currently in place. The most important problem for private sector R&D in Kuwait is the general lack of skills and capabilities for innovation, which means that firms have few incentives to invest in risky, long term and skill intensive R&D activity. Future efforts to increase R&D by simply investing further in public R&D risks wasting money, without the adequate institutions, skills and framework conditions required to turn R&D into commercial success. Instead, we argue the Kuwaiti government should rethink the education system at all levels, implement a bottom-up diversification strategy, strengthen the Kuwaiti Information System and carry out a thorough governance review of innovation processes. |
| JEL: | R14 J01 E6 |
| Date: | 2021–03–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:109010&r=all |
| By: | Rita Jalkh (UMR ART-Dev - Acteurs, Ressources et Territoires dans le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes); Marc Dedeire (UMR ART-Dev - Acteurs, Ressources et Territoires dans le Développement - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique); Melanie Requier Desjardins (CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes) |
| Abstract: | Economic development approaches are increasingly entailing local geographic scales and encouraging the mobilization and organization of territorial actors given local conditions and resources. Lebanon is a country facing frequent uncertainty with recent economic and social difficulties. Its popular cuisine may play a key role in its development and that of its rural space. In fact, that cuisine incorporates a traditional cultural practice called "Mouneh" which consists of preserved pantry foods, historically used to ensure household nutrition. Today, rural food cooperatives are engaging in that practice using agricultural produce from local farmers and are employing women. Despite strong internal and external challenges, they remain attractive actors as their principles of collective benefit, participation and democracy form a strong link with sustainable development goals. This study transversally analyzes the status of food cooperatives in a major agricultural region in Lebanon, the Bekaa valley. Findings mainly quantified size and production and provided a mapped representation of the spatial dependencies on local farmers versus urban markets for trade. With 75% women members and firm reputation in authenticity, food cooperatives in the Bekaa specifically and Lebanon generally are also extensively supported by donors but are being labeled as donor-dependent. Yet, cooperatives are localized in a largely agricultural territory with sufficient evidence of differentiation that could potentially be valorized. Hence, with optimal framing, regulation and networking of cooperatives, one can assume a protection of culinary heritage is possible with scalable contribution to food security and needed local development given major recent setbacks. |
| Keywords: | Cooperatives,Lebanon,Bekaa valley,Sustainable development goals |
| Date: | 2020 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03137540&r=all |