Taxation and Corporation Finance

This paper analyzes the effects of the federal tax structure on corporate financial and investment behavior. We first develop a model of corporate behavior given taxes, taking into account both uncertainty and costs of bankruptcy. Simpler models abstracting from bankruptcy costs had clear counterfactual implications. The forecasts from our model proved to be consistent with both the observed cross-sectional variation in debt-equity ratios and the time series pattern of debt-equity ratios (data that were constructed in the paper). We then attempted to measure the efficiency costs created by corporate tax distortions as implied by the model. The forecasted efficiency cost of the distortion favoring debt finance seemed to be quite large, while the tax distortion affecting investment seemed to be less important than others have claimed. The paper concludes with a study of the efficiency implications of various proposed corporate tax changes.

Searching for the Profit in Pollution Prevention: Case Studies in the Corporate Evaluation of Environmental Opportunities

The concept of pollution prevention, or "P2," signifies a new, proactive environmental mindset that targets the causes, rather than the consequences, of polluting activity. While anecdotal evidence suggests that P2 opportunities exist and that many have been pursued, there is also the perception that the pace of P2 is far too slow. To explore that claim—and to shed light on barriers to P2 innovation—this paper presents case studies of industrial P2 projects that were in some way unsuccessful. While based on a very limited sample, the evidence contradicts the view that firms suffer from organizational weaknesses that make them unable to appreciate the financial benefits of P2 investments. Instead, the projects foundered because of significant unresolved technical difficulties, marketing challenges, and regulatory barriers. Based on evidence from the cases, the paper concludes with a discussion of environmental policy reforms likely to promote P2 innovation..

Power and the economics of organizations

I discuss the main theories on the role of power in organizations, emphasizing two questions: how should power be divided among employees? and: what mechanisms should the organization choose to ensure that those with power use it efficiently

The effects of marketable pollution permits on the firm's optimal investment policies

Investment;Taxation;Pollution Control

Do Some Employers Share the Costs and Benefits of General Training?

[Excerpt] One of the central propositions of the human capital theory of on-the-job training is that workers pay all the costs and receive all the benefits of general training (see Ehrenberg and Smith 1996, Filer, Hammermesh and Rees 1996, Borjas 1996, Kaufman 1986). Since general training raises a worker\u27s ability to be productive in other organizations as well as the one providing the training, the training firm must pay a wage commensurate with the trained worker\u27s new higher level of productivity if they are to prevent the loss of their trained workers. Since the workers, not the firm, get the benefits of the training, firms [will] provide general training only if they [do] not have to pay any of the costs (Becker 1962 p. 13). Since the training is of value to prospective trainees, equilibrium in the training market requires that employees pay for general on-the-job training by receiving wages below what could be received elsewhere (Becker 1962 p. 13) in a job offering no training. Is this correct? Do Workers pay all the costs of training in skills that are technically general (i.e. useful at other firms)--WPAC for short? Do workers receive all the benefits of general training ( WRAB for short)

RECOVERABLE COST: THE BASIS OF A GENERAL THEORY OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING MEASUREMENT

This paper addresses a very profound question concerning financial accounting. Is financial accounting measurement. as represented by diverse valuation rules. hodgepodge or is it logically developed? Salvary [1985. p.28. Chap. IV] advances and provides a theoretical development of the concept of 'recoverable cost' as the measurement property observed in (underlying) financial accounting measurement. Sa/vary [1989, pp.50-51] maintains that 'recoverable cost' is the center of 'economic gravity' and demonstrates that this valuation is derivable from axioms advanced. This paper provides a rigorous proof that 'recoverable cost' is the observed measurement property underlying financial accounting measurement. This analysis draws upon: (a) the concept of recovery underlying the investment decision and (b) the distinction between decision theory and measurement theory. It establishes recoverable cost as the measurement property in financial accounting and leads to the conclusion that financial accounting measurement is logically developed.measurement rules, capital budgeting, realizable value, lower of cost and market, capitalization, depreciation, decision theory, market simulation, asset specificity.

BUSINESS FLUCTUATIONS AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING MEASUREMENT: HISTORICAL COMMENTS

This paper addresses a theme in an historical setting that financial accounting measurement contributes to: (1) retardation of national economic growth by the failure of financial accounting to provide for the replacement of capital goods in its measurement process; and (2) the business cycle owing to the illusory profits reported in financial statements. The author explores the issues and concludes that the arguments against accounting are based upon misunderstandings.retardation of economic growth; national or social accounting; replacement cost accounting; Harrod's 'instability principle'; maintenance of physical capacity; illusory profits.

The theory of the firm

January 1987, first draft, May 1987, latest revisio

Difference games and policy evaluation: A conceptual framework

Economics

The Economics of Bankrupcy, Reorganisation and Liquidation: Lessons for East European Transitional Economies

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the economic implications of the bankruptcy procedures in Western market economies with a view to draw appropriate lessons for the transitional economies of Central and Eastern Europe. In Section II, we shall discuss the bankruptcy procedures in four major market eocnomies, emphasising the conditions under which the financially distressed firms are reorganised or liquidated. Section III focuses on the relative efficacy of the 'reorganisation' option in comparison with the 'liquidation' option of the bankruptcy procedures. Section IV highlights the lessons that East European transitional economies may learn from the experience of market economies, drawing attention to a number of important areas of concern in any discussion of the design and implementation of bankruptcy procedures.Eastern Europe, transition, bankrupcy, reorganisation, liquidation