"Learning by Dining" : Informal Networks and Productivity in Mexican Industry

Lall, Somik V. ; Ghosh, Sudeshna

World Bank, Washington, DC

关键词: FIRMS;    PRODUCTIVITY;    INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT;    INFORMAL ORGANIZATIONS;    INFORMATION EXCHANGE;   

DOI  :  10.1596/1813-9450-2789
RP-ID  :  WPS2789

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

The authors analyze the determinants offirm productivity in a group of Mexican firms. Inparticular, they test the contribution of external factorssuch as trade and knowledge diffusion, the availability ofinfrastructure, informal knowledge exchange, competitiveenvironment, and business regulatory climate. The authorsfind that one factor consistently emerges as an importantproximate source of productivity-access to informalnetworks. Interaction in the form of "businesslunches" with local buyers and suppliers, competitors,government officials, and other professionals have asignificant and positive effect on a firm'sproductivity. Access to regulators and agents of backwardand forward linkages are important in settings whereinformation on business practices and regulations is notpublicly disclosed. The results complement predictions oftraditional growth theory-in addition to technology andlearning being the driving force of firm productivity,proximity to influential individuals who can grant favors orprovide information advantage on business and tradepractices have significant productivity impacts.