Decision making in networks: an experiment on structure effects in a group dictator game

In this study we examine the impact of communication networks on decision making in five-person committees. Within the framework of a group dictator game the committees must reach a majority choice for one collective transfer. We focus on the effect of the group structure on the collective decisions, and explore the effect of incomplete and asymmetric information on voting outcomes by defining three different networks structures: the unconnected network, a circle and a star. As expected the connections improved coordination within the committees, however, we find no significant difference between the network forms concerning the transfers chosen.     

Policies Addressing the Tempo Effect in Low‐Fertility Countries

The possible negative consequences of current low fertility levels are causing increasing concern, particularly in countries where the total fertility rate is below 1.5. Social inertia and self‐reinforcing processes may make it difficult to return to higher levels once fertility has been very low for some time, creating a possible “low‐fertility trap.” Policies explicitly addressing the fertility‐depressing effect of increases in the mean age at child‐bearing (the tempo effect) may be a way to raise period fertility to somewhat higher levels and help escape the “low‐fertility trap” before it closes. Reforms in the school system may affect the timing of childbearing by lowering the age at completion of education. A more efficient school system, which provides the same qualifications with a younger school‐leaving age, is potentially capable of increasing period fertility and hence exerting a rejuvenating effect on the age composition, even if the levels of cohort fertility remain unchanged. Such policies may also have a positive effect on completed cohort fertility.     

The end of population growth in Asia

This paper presents probabilistic population projections for five regions of Asia (South Asia, Central Asia, China region, Pacific OECD and Pacific Asia) and Asia as a whole. Over this century, Asia will experience very heterogeneous demographic development: Central Asia is expected to almost double in population and South Asia will become by far the world’s most populous region, rapidly surpassing the China region. Simultaneously, the Pacific OECD countries are likely to shrink in population size and experience extreme population ageing. The proportion of the population aged 60 and above in these countries (with Japan having the greatest weight) is expected to reach 50 per cent of the total population (with the 95 per cent uncertainty interval ranging from 35 to 61 per cent). The China region will experience a more rapid speed of ageing, with the proportion aged 60 and above expected to increase by a factor of four from 10 per cent in 2000 to 39 per cent in 2100.     

Measuring price-induced changes in standard of living in least developed countries: economic validity of laspeyres price indices and some further suggestions

Usually, also in developing countries, price-induced changes in standard of living are measured by means of Laspeyres price indices. Looking at the special economic situation characterizing least developed countries, the economic validit of such indices is doubtful. The main theoretical results of this paper are derived on the basis of a special utility concept which may be considered typical for least developed countries. It is shown that, under certain conditions, a Laspeyres price index over- or underestimates respectively changes in standard of living. Furthermore, it does not sufficiently evaluate households’ supply positions. These theoretical results are motivated and illustrated by a special least developed country, the Republic of Niger. The paper closes with some further suggestions for measuring changes in standard of living in developing countries.     

Funding uncertainty and nonprofit strategies in the 1980s

The degree to which strategic action is related to changes in the perceived uncertainty of income from major types of funders was examined for a panel of nonprofit organizations. Uncertainty was found to be a pervasive phenomenon. Nonprofits in some parts of the sector reported increases in uncertainty over time, while those in other parts reported decreases. The use of new revenue, legitimation, or retrenchment strategies was associated with the reduction of uncertainty for some types of nonprofit organizations but not for others.     

Coaching in der Psychotherapie — Psychotherapie im Coaching

The author seeks a deeper understanding of the relationships between coaching and psychotherapy. He reflects first of all his own practical experience as psychoanalyst, coach, and as trainer/supervisor of coaches and psychotherapists. Therapy, he says, develops a long-range-approach of alleviating symptoms and helping to strengthen potentials in a close relationship between therapist and client. Coaching is more focused on short, exactly aimed interventions and acute problems in the relationship between the coachee and his job. Professional exchange between therapists and coaches should be encouraged, because therapist often are deeply ignorant of the professional reality of patients, and coaches tend to underestimate the relevance of personality problems which work against rational organizations of professional development and constructive relationships in teams.