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Business regulation, labor force participation and employment in industrial countries

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  • Feldmann, Horst

Abstract

Using data from 19 industrial countries for 5 years in the period 1990-2002, this paper analyzes to what extent anticompetitive business regulations, like price controls and administrative obstacles to start a new business, affect labor force participation and employment rates. According to the regression results, they appear to lower both. Corruption, which is one result of strict business regulation, is also found to lower labor force participation and employment rates. While most effects on the general population seem to be modest, the effects on the low-skilled are likely to be substantial. The results are robust to variations in specification.

Suggested Citation

  • Feldmann, Horst, 2009. "Business regulation, labor force participation and employment in industrial countries," Journal of Economics and Business, Elsevier, vol. 61(3), pages 238-260.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jebusi:v:61:y:2009:i:3:p:238-260
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    Cited by:

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    2. Horst Feldmann, 2012. "Product Market Regulation and Labor Market Performance around the World," LABOUR, CEIS, vol. 26(3), pages 369-391, September.
    3. Lauren R. Heller & E. Frank Stephenson, 2014. "Economic Freedom And Labor Market Conditions: Evidence From The States," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 32(1), pages 56-66, January.
    4. Meng-Shan Tsai & Meng-Shan Tsai, 2017. "The In uence of Loyalty, Participation and Obedience on OrganizationalCitizenship Behavior," International Journal of Business and Economic Affairs (IJBEA), Sana N. Maswadeh, vol. 2(1), pages 67-76.
    5. Kottaridi, Constantina & Giakoulas, Dimitris & Manolopoulos, Dimitris, 2019. "Escapism FDI from developed economies: The role of regulatory context and corporate taxation," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 36-47.

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