This book calls attention to the social dimension of economics and stresses the need for an ethical yardstick which can only be provided by an interdisciplinary approach to the economy -- socio-economics. Current thought claims to account for ethics by portraying economics as both positive and normative. The positive aspect of economics is based on observable fact. This is typified by the neoclassical school, which takes as its main premise the hypothesis of individual economic rationality resulting in economic decisions based on efficient market processes. The normative aspect of economics involves value judgements. Economic theory acknowledges that economic agents are free to express value judgements, and if one point of view is to prevail, it can only be the majority view based on an equitable democratic process. Accordingly, strict application of the principles of the market economy and political democracy should eliminate the need for a separate ethical approach to economics. Despite this conclusion, recent years have witnessed the need to introduce ethical considerations into economics. For one, the distinction between the normative and positive aspects of economics and their linking with politics and economics, respectively, are gross oversimplifications. In addition, numerous market failures make it difficult to accept efficient markets as the determinant of all economic decisions. Finally, democratic processes are hard to maintain due to society's inability to develop a sense of solidarity. This book provides the ethical yardstick' necessary in analyzing economic decisions, institutions and policies discussed in relation with environment protection.

When it was originally published this book presented the first independent review of the critical role played by multinationals in Europe. Extending its focus beyond 1992, the book examines both the economic and business strategy frameworks the firms need to develop to maintain a competitive advantage. Using case-studies from specific industries, it looks not only at the activity of multinationals within the single market but explores the competitive strategies of non-European firms with special emphasis on Japanese companies which were poised to exploit 1992. The importance of interaction between multinationals and national government policies is also analysed taking into account the integration already achieved.

A study of local government and politics in China, exploring when and why local government officials comply with policy directives from above. The author draws on interviews with government officials in various municipalities and a review of county records and other government documents.

A study of local government and politics in China, exploring when and why local government officials comply with policy directives from above. The author draws on interviews with government officials in various municipalities and a review of county records and other government documents.

When it was originally published this book presented the first independent review of the critical role played by multinationals in Europe. Extending its focus beyond 1992, the book examines both the economic and business strategy frameworks the firms need to develop to maintain a competitive advantage. Using case-studies from specific industries, it looks not only at the activity of multinationals within the single market but explores the competitive strategies of non-European firms with special emphasis on Japanese companies which were poised to exploit 1992. The importance of interaction between multinationals and national government policies is also analysed taking into account the integration already achieved.

This book is intended as a warning against the kind of hard-core liberalism which blames state intervention for the disappointing results achieved in matters of macroeconomic, competition and social welfare policy. In calling attention to the social dimension of economics, the book stresses the need for an ethical yardstick which can only be pro vided by an interdisciplinary approach to the economy. One current school of thought claims to have bridged the gap by por traying economics as both positive and normative. However, this inter pretation is inadequate. The positive aspect of economics, reflecting an approach common in the natural sciences, is based on observable facts. It highlights causal relationships and seeks to analyse economic mechanisms on the basis of available information. This has led to an emphasis on purely deductive methods, which form the basis for many of the conclusions in main stream economics. This current of thought is typified by the neoclassical school, which takes as its main premise the much-disputed hypothesis of economic rationality. Human behaviour is deemed to be rational when consumers maximize their satisfaction and producers their profits, sub ject to the constraints of income and production costs respectively. Opt imal strategies for both consumers and producers can best be determined by the mechanism of market forces."