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Comparative Economic Performance and Institutional Change in OECD Countries: Evidence from Subjective Well-Being Data

Author

Listed:
  • Heinz Welsch

    () (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics)

  • Jan Kühling

    () (University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics)

Abstract

We use data on the subjective well-being (SWB) of more than 91,000 individuals in 30 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assess the well-being effects of unemployment, inflation and national income growth. The relationships found are used to construct an index of national economic performance in terms of SWB. Applying the index to the period 1990-2009, we find that economic performance has improved in OECD overall and in the majority of countries, and that there has been a convergence of performance within the OECD. We then present evidence that OECD countries’ economic performance, as measured, is positively related to institutional change towards more trade openness and better governance quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Heinz Welsch & Jan Kühling, 2011. "Comparative Economic Performance and Institutional Change in OECD Countries: Evidence from Subjective Well-Being Data," Working Papers V-342-11, University of Oldenburg, Department of Economics, revised Dec 2011.
    • Handle: RePEc:old:dpaper:342
    as

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    File URL: http://www.vwl.uni-oldenburg.de/download/DP_V-342_11.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    More about this item

    Keywords

    economic performance; institutional change; trade; subjective well-being; OECD;

    JEL classification:

    • E61 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Policy Objectives; Policy Designs and Consistency; Policy Coordination
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • F15 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Economic Integration

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