Hugh M. Arce and Kenneth A. Reinert
A recurrent concern of researchers who measure the cost of protection isthat welfare estimates based on models with highly aggregated sectors ofthe economy in question will…
Abstract
A recurrent concern of researchers who measure the cost of protection is that welfare estimates based on models with highly aggregated sectors of the economy in question will understate the true cost of protection if the tariff system is not uniform. Uses the 1988 tariff schedule of the US and a detailed 1988 social accounting matrix of the US to construct a number of aggregation schemes to calculate the extent to which tariff means and variances change under different aggregations. Then uses a computable general equilibrium model to compare the cost of tariff protection between two of the aggregation schemes.
Details
Keywords
During the 1950‐1979 period, the governments of Central Americaoften pursued “cheap‐food” policies. A general‐equilibriummodel is employed to show how these policies contributed…
Abstract
During the 1950‐1979 period, the governments of Central America often pursued “cheap‐food” policies. A general‐equilibrium model is employed to show how these policies contributed to the resource‐allocation patterns observed in the region during this period. The model also shows how cheap‐food policies contributed to the observed shift in the functional distribution of income from wages to rents and profits. An empirical test verifies the contribution of bean‐pricing policy to the shift in land resources away from food crops in Costa Rica, and the causes behind the relaxation of cheap‐food policies in the 1980s are discussed.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to develop a formal representation of the imperfect substitutes model (ISM) of partial equilibrium, trade policy analysis and to conduct sensitivity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a formal representation of the imperfect substitutes model (ISM) of partial equilibrium, trade policy analysis and to conduct sensitivity analysis on the behavioral parameters of the model.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper develops an ISM in a manner that is conformable to more complex, applied general equilibrium models of trade policy analysis.
Findings
The paper presents a set of sensitivity analyses on key behavioral parameters for a better understanding of the model's properties.
Research limitations/implications
Sensitivity analysis on the values of behavioral parameters in ISMs needs to be conducted by trade policy modelers.
Practical implications
The ISM is made more explicit here than in most representations, something that will be of great use to practitioners.
Originality/value
While widely used in trade policy circles, the ISM is rarely explicitly formulated, nor the role of its behavioral parameters explored.
Details
Keywords
The aim of the study is to assess the extent to which Taoist philosophy offers thematic and ethical insights relevant to current global crises, including climate change, food…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the study is to assess the extent to which Taoist philosophy offers thematic and ethical insights relevant to current global crises, including climate change, food insecurity, renewed conflict and increased authoritarianism.
Design/methodology/approach
A critical review of specific verses from the Tao Te Ching and research sources relevant to them is carried out.
Findings
Taoist philosophy, of ancient origins, is surprisingly relevant to modern crises. While not offering definitive answers, it does provide thematic and ethical insights for reorienting governance in more productive ways.
Originality/value
While there is a large literature on Taoist philosophy itself, there is a paucity of research articles on the modern relevance of Taoist philosophy to pressing current issues. The article brings together and assesses these sources, considering relevant research.
Details
Keywords
Kenneth Reinert and Gelaye Debebe
This paper aims to examine the ethics of authentic talent development in socioeconomic context by considering a set of alternative ethical frameworks. It juxtaposes the ideals of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the ethics of authentic talent development in socioeconomic context by considering a set of alternative ethical frameworks. It juxtaposes the ideals of civic virtue, which involve a concern for the common good, with the reality that socioeconomic deprivation and sociocultural practices severely constrain talent development opportunities and choice.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws on several frameworks complementary to the ideals of civic virtue – the basic goods approach, human capital theory, the capabilities approach and the ethic of care – to elucidate the barriers to talent development embodied in sociocultural context, as well as policy and institutional practices to overcoming these barriers.
Findings
While multiple ethical frameworks are necessary to fully capture the issues related to authentic talent development in socioeconomic context, a focus on the ethic of care and basic goods provision is an important starting point. There are also a few fundamental starting points for human resource development in responding to ethical concerns regarding authentic talent development.
Originality/value
While the prevailing approach to talent development is implicitly based on a logic of social identity ascription, this paper promotes an alternative approach based on the ethics of civic virtue. While the former is oriented to the support of social hierarchies based on identity, the latter is oriented to fostering both social and human well-being via choice and authentic talent development.
Details
Keywords
Samuel Frimpong, Riza Yosia Sunindijo, Cynthia Changxin Wang, Carol K. H. Hon, Elijah Frimpong Boadu, Ayirebi Dansoh and (Kenneth) Tak Wing Yiu
Promoting positive mental health is increasingly being encouraged as the focus of research and policies on the mental health of construction personnel. Most measures of mental…
Abstract
Purpose
Promoting positive mental health is increasingly being encouraged as the focus of research and policies on the mental health of construction personnel. Most measures of mental health, however, typically use negative indicators such as depression and anxiety and are not specifically developed for the construction workforce, especially those with a Global South background. These limitations have made it challenging to measure construction personnel’s positive mental health. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop a scale for measuring the positive mental health of construction personnel with a Global South background.
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by Keyes’ two-continua model of mental health, the study objectives were addressed through a mixed-methods study using the case of Ghana. Qualitative data collected from eight key stakeholder groups using 16 interviews and two rounds of focus group discussions were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were obtained through a survey of 425 construction personnel and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis.
Findings
Thematic analysis revealed a four-dimensional structure of positive mental health, namely, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual. Confirmatory factor analysis and correlation analysis of the results indicated good instrument validity and reliability.
Originality/value
Existing measures of positive mental health are based on a three-dimensional model, i.e. emotional, social and psychological well-being. By including spiritual well-being, this study proposes a four-dimensional measurement model as a more comprehensive and promising measure to use in surveys of positive mental health among the construction workforce, especially those with a Global South background, and to develop suitable interventions for them.