A fundamental problem in all political systems is that the people in power may extract rents to the detriment of the general public. In a democracy, electoral competition and information provided by the media may keep such rent extraction at bay. We develop a simple model where rents are...

Theories of taste-based discrimination predict that competitive pressures will drive discriminatory behavior out of the market. Using detailed matched employer-employee data, we analyze how firm takeovers and product market competition are related to the gender composition of the firm’s...

It has long been argued that trade restrictions can be motivated by insurance considerations in the absence of full risk diversification. Recent literature suggests that markets for risk can alleviate resistance to reform and protectionist lobby group pressure. We empirically address the...

We present evidence on whether managerial entrenchment affects workers' pay, using a large panel dataset that matches public firms with detailed data on their subsidiaries and workers. We find that CEOs with a stronger grip on control pay their workers higher wages, but CEO ownership of cash...

We present evidence on whether managerial entrenchment affects workers’ pay, using a large panel dataset that matches public firms with detailed data on their subsidiaries and workers. We find that CEOs with a stronger grip on control pay their workers higher wages, but CEO ownership of cash...

This paper studies whether the degree of female representation in Swedish local councils <p> affects local public expenditure patterns. Theoretically, the individual preferences of elected <p> representatives may impact public expenditure if full policy commitment is not feasible. To <p> empirically...</p></p></p>

The role of school principals largely resembles that of corporate managers and the leadership they provide are often viewed as a crucial component for educational success. We estimate the impact of individual principals on various schooling outcomes, by constructing a principal-school panel data...

This paper examines the long-run determinants of the evolution of top income shares. Using a newly assembled panel of 16 developed countries over the entire twentieth century, we find that financial development disproportionately boosts top incomes. This effect appears to be particularly strong...