When Should Market-Supporting Institutions Be Established?

Posted: 11 Jan 2000

See all articles by Robert K. Fleck

Robert K. Fleck

Montana State University - Bozeman - Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics

Abstract

Market-supporting institutions play an essential role in successful market economies, yet much remains unanswered about when in the course of economic development those institutions should be established. This article develops a model that shows how private sector growth can depend on the time at which a country establishes institutions belonging to a specific category: those that have the potential not only to enhance efficiency, but to threaten private property rights by facilitating income redistribution (e.g., agencies to enforce regulations and tax laws). If a country has no difficulty committing to secure property rights, it is efficient to establish potentially efficiency-enhancing institutions as soon as possible. In the presence of commitment problems, however, eventually desirable institutions (even those essential for economic growth) can derail growth if established prematurely. Restricting voting rights may have positive or negative effects on growth, and there exist potential complementarities between democracy and efficiency-enhancing institutions.

Note: This abstract was published last week with an incorrect contact listed -- it is now corrected. Please contact the author for copies of the paper or other requests.

JEL Classification: O17

Suggested Citation

Fleck, Robert K., When Should Market-Supporting Institutions Be Established?. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=202351

Robert K. Fleck (Contact Author)

Montana State University - Bozeman - Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics ( email )

P.O. Box 172920
Bozeman, MT 59717-2920
United States
406-994-5603 (Phone)
406-994-4838 (Fax)

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