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Interest Groups and the "Rise and Decline" of Growth

Author

Listed:
  • Bonnie Wilson

    (Department of Economics, Saint Louis University)

  • Jac Heckelman

    (Department of Economics, Wake Forest University)

Abstract

Interest groups are known to exert a sclerotic impact on mean growth, `a la Mancur Olson (1982). It is unknown, however, what (if any) impact groups exert on the volatility of growth - an important hindrance to development. In this paper, we first consider what impact we should expect Olson groups to have on the volatility of growth. We then estimate the relation between groups and growth volatility in a cross-country panel, using System GMM. The findings indicate that groups are associated with growth stability. In addition, the findings suggest that interest groups may be a source of the stability observed in democracies.

Suggested Citation

  • Bonnie Wilson & Jac Heckelman, 2008. "Interest Groups and the "Rise and Decline" of Growth," Working Papers 2012-01, Saint Louis University, Department of Economics, revised Jun 2013.
    • Handle: RePEc:slu:wpaper:2012-01
    as

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    File URL: http://www.slu-econ-wp.com/RePEc/slu/bonnie_wilson/democ_vol_ab.pdf
    File Function: Revised version, 2012
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    File URL: http://www.slu-econ-wp.com/RePEc/slu/bonnie_wilson/democ_vol_ae.pdf
    File Function: Revised version, 2013
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Masaki, Takaaki, 2018. "The impact of intergovernmental transfers on local revenue generation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Tanzania," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 173-186.
    2. Theresa Hager, 2020. "Special Interest Groups and Growth: A Meta-Analysis of Mancur Olsons Theory," ICAE Working Papers 116, Johannes Kepler University, Institute for Comprehensive Analysis of the Economy.
    3. Jac C. Heckelman & Bonnie Wilson, 2021. "Targeting inflation targeting: the influence of interest groups," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 189(3), pages 533-554, December.
    4. Robert F. Salvino & Gregory M. Randolph & Geoffrey K. Turnbull & Michael T. Tasto, 2019. "The effects of decentralization on special interest groups," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 181(3), pages 191-213, December.
    5. Takaaki Masaki, 2016. "The impact of intergovernmental transfers on local revenue generation in Africa: Evidence from Tanzania," WIDER Working Paper Series 113, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making

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