Open access
Date
2006-09Type
- Working Paper
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
This paper analyzes whether the educational and professional background of a head of government matters for the implementation of market-liberalizing reforms. Employing panel data over the period 1970-2002, we present empirical evidence based on a novel data set covering profession and education of more than 500 political leaders from 73 countries. Our results show that entrepreneurs, professional scientists, and trained economists are significantly more reform oriented. Contrary, union executives tend to impede reforms. We also highlight interactions between profession and education with time in office and the political leaning of the ruling party. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-a-005277685Publication status
publishedJournal / series
KOF Working PapersVolume
Publisher
KOF Swiss Economic Institute, ETH ZurichSubject
PROBLEMLÖSUNG, VERBESSERUNG, REFORMEN (ALLGEMEIN); Lobbying; WOMEN POLITICIANS (POLITICS); IMPROVEMENT, REFORM, PROBLEM SOLVING (GENERAL); Economic Freedom; POLITIKER + STAATSMÄNNER; POLITIKERINNEN (POLITIK); Interest Groups; POLITICIANS + STATESMEN; Economic Policy; ReformsOrganisational unit
03716 - Sturm, Jan-Egbert / Sturm, Jan-Egbert
02525 - KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle / KOF Swiss Economic Institute
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ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics