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SME performance in transition economies: The financial regulation and firm-level corruption nexus

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  • Wieneke, Axel
  • Gries, Thomas

Abstract

Using a general equilibrium endogenous growth model we explain underperformance in the small and medium enterprise sector as an effect of corruption and non-competitive banking. Limited competition in the banking sector causes a high loan-deposit spread, worsens the initial effect of corruption, and depresses growth. Fostering bank competition, for instance, by allowing foreign bank entry, would be a simple solution to this problem, but frequently, authorities choose to hamper bank competition. Therefore, we explain the persistence of non-competitive banking as a result of governments' regulatory choice. If the government has a stake in the banking sector there exists a trade-off between current benefits from bank profits and future growth. Firm-level corruption affects intertemporal optimization and distorts the government's choice towards more restrictive regulation, i.e., less bank competition, even if the deciding institution itself is not corrupt. These results show that the two prominent problems for small and medium enterprises, corruption and finance, are mutually reinforcing.

Suggested Citation

  • Wieneke, Axel & Gries, Thomas, 2011. "SME performance in transition economies: The financial regulation and firm-level corruption nexus," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(2), pages 221-229, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jcecon:v:39:y:2011:i:2:p:221-229
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    7. Minhua Yang, 2022. "Financial innovation regulations and firm performance: Evidence from Chinese listed firms," Australian Economic Papers, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 61(1), pages 24-41, March.
    8. Carmen Emilia Chașovschi & Carmen Nastase & Mihai Popescu & Adrian-Liviu Scutariu & Iulian-Alexandru Condratov, 2021. "Human Resources Training Needs in the Small and Medium Enterprises from Cross-Border Area Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-28, February.
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    11. Duvanova, Dinissa, 2014. "Economic Regulations, Red Tape, and Bureaucratic Corruption in Post-Communist Economies," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 298-312.
    12. Lyócsa, Štefan, 2014. "Growth-returns nexus: Evidence from three Central and Eastern European countries," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 343-355.
    13. Haschka, Rouven E. & Herwartz, Helmut & Struthmann, Philipp & Tran, Viet Tuan & Walle, Yabibal M., 2022. "The joint effects of financial development and the business environment on firm growth: Evidence from Vietnam," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 486-506.
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    15. Sharma, Amit & Messerli, Hannah & Lin, Michael S., 2023. "Land use regulations and small tourism enterprises," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).
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