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Informality and firm performance in Myanmar

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  • Hanna Berkel
  • Finn Tarp

Abstract

Using a novel panel survey of enterprises in Myanmar, we compare the performance of manufacturing firms by three different informality definitions. The first is binary, based on whether firms pay taxes. The second captures five categories of registration with the authorities, and the third definition relates to three groupings of the informality status of a firm's workers. Depending on the informality concept used, formalization has positive, insignificant, and negative performance outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanna Berkel & Finn Tarp, 2020. "Informality and firm performance in Myanmar," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2020-173, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2020-173
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Max Gallien & Vanessa van den Boogaard, 2023. "Formalization and its Discontents: Conceptual Fallacies and Ways Forward," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 54(3), pages 490-513, May.
    2. Henrik Hansen & S. Kanay De & John Rand & Neda Trifković, 2023. "Wage returns to workplace training in Myanmar," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(2), March.
    3. Dumenu, William Kwadwo & Appiah, Louis Gyekye & Paul, Carola & Darr, Dietrich, 2023. "Should forest enterprises formalize? Insight from a multi-dimensional characterization of informal baobab enterprises," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    4. Damien GIROLLET, 2023. "Digital divides among microsized firms: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa," Bordeaux Economics Working Papers 2023-03, Bordeaux School of Economics (BSE).

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    Keywords

    Firms; Informality; Myanmar; Business; business registration; Manufacturing;
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