How does organizational slack affect firm performance? Organization theory posits that slack, despite its costs, has a positive impact on firm performance. In contrast, agency theory suggests that slack breeds inefficiency and inhibits performance. The empirical evidence, largely from developed...

This paper examines the evolution of capacity utilization for Kazakhstani enterprises over a seven year period. Three main theoretical propositions are tested through panel data regressions. The results show that the Russian financial crisis (August 1998) has substantially reduced capacity...

Large and sudden economic and political changes, even if potentially positive, often entail enormous social and health costs. Such transitory costs are generally underestimated or neglected by incumbent governments. The mortality crisis experienced by the former communist countries of...