Managerial Skill Acquisition and the Theory of Economic Development

48 Pages Posted: 2 Aug 2005 Last revised: 17 Apr 2022

See all articles by Paul Beaudry

Paul Beaudry

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Vancouver School of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Patrick Francois

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics

Date Written: July 2005

Abstract

Micro level studies in developing countries suggest managerial skills play a key role in the adoption of modern technologies. The human resources literature suggests that managerial skills are difficult to codify and learn formally, but instead tend to be learned on the job. In this paper we present a model of the interactive process between on-the-job managerial skill acquisition and the adoption of modern technology. The environment considered is one where all learning possibilities are internalized in the market, and where managers are complementary inputs to non-managerial workers. The paper illustrates why some countries may adopt modern technologies while others stay backwards. The paper also explains why managers may not want to migrate from rich countries to poor countries as would be needed to generate income convergence.

Suggested Citation

Beaudry, Paul and Francois, Patrick, Managerial Skill Acquisition and the Theory of Economic Development (July 2005). NBER Working Paper No. w11451, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=755688

Paul Beaudry (Contact Author)

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Vancouver School of Economics ( email )

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Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1
Canada

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Patrick Francois

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Department of Economics ( email )

997-1873 East Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1
Canada

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