This research assesses the firm-specific reasons for lower productivity levels between West and East German firms. The study is based on a unique data-base generated by field work in the two particularly important sectors of machinery manufacturers and furniture manufacturers. Our results...

In the modernisation of production processes, German and American firms stress different aspects: a greater number of German enterprises strategically favour technology and innovation and the adaptation of products to customers' specifications. The US firms prioritise more frequently the quality...