Suchergebnisse

This article examines the role of competition policy in developing countries. The leading international development agencies, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, have proclaimed their support for private sector–led development as the best strategy for reducing poverty. The benefits of private sector development are dependent on ensuring competitive market conditions, which are often absent in developing countries. However, theoretical notions of competition and the ways in which it is perceived to work vary widely and have implications for the type of competition policy that is to be implemented. Competition laws are widespread in industrialized countries but are only just beginning to be introduced in developing countries. The article examines some of the implications of applying competition policy in developing countries when account is taken of different theoretical perspectives, and of the structural and institutional differences between industrialized and developing countries.

The privatization of utilities has grown in developing countries in recent years. Privatization transactions for the utilities sector have accounted for over a third of all sales in developing countries since 1988. The introduction of privatization has not necessarily meant more competition. Consequently, utility privatization has led in many cases to the creation of regulatory structures that aim to protect consumers from monopoly abuse and to provide incentives to firms to maintain efficiency. Case studies drawing on examples from the telecommunications, electricity and water sectors indicate that creating effective regulation and a competitive environment is a difficult and slow process. The cases have shown that regulation rather than privatization achieved the largest gains. Similarly, although the variety of regulatory measures that have been introduced have made a difference, the most tangible benefits, particularly to consumers, result from the establishment of competition. The case studies have shown that privatization has preceded the development of effective regulation and competition. The development of regulatory structures is constrained by the capacity of governments to enforce regulatory rules and monitor contracts. Fostering conditions that encourage competition and lessen anti‐competitive behaviour by incumbents is a beneficial but slow process.

Examines role of UNDPs management development programme in Myanmar between 1988 and 1992. Describes economic and political background against which technical assistance was provided to assist transition from centrally planned to market-oriented economy. (ODA)

Robert Michels' analysis of pol'al parties is widely misunderstood in Amer pol'al sci. Examination of German & French sources shows that Michels argues as a former syndicalist, not a former orthodox socialist, in developing his "iron law of oligarchy." Syndicalist premises & ideals are retained & are seen as responsible for certain peculiarities in his treatment of the German Soc Democratic Party & for several weaknesses in his analysis. The peculiar & particularistic basis of his argument must be taken into account when using pol'al parties as a basis for the study of modern pol'al parties. IPSA.