We present a model of optimal monitoring expenditures. For any technology that yields a conventional ``S-shaped''' production function for monitoring, the optimal level of monitoring is shown to be higher in medium-sized firms than in both small and large firms. Further, the interaction between...

Summary Previous studies have primarily focused on the relative success of collectively owned enterprises (COEs) in China during the early years of reform, but they have ignored the agency problems inherent in this type of organizational form that may be an obstacle to further improving...

Using the World Bank survey of 1500 firms in five Chinese cities, we study whether the presence of foreign firms produces technology spillovers on domestic firms operating in the same city and industry. We find positive spillovers for more technologically advanced firms and no or negative...

We present a model of optimal monitoring expenditures. For any technology that yields a conventional ``S-shaped''' production function for monitoring, the optimal level of monitoring is shown to be higher in medium-sized firms than in both small and large firms. Further, the interaction between...