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Leaver, Clare. 2009. "Bureaucratic Minimal Squawk Behavior: Theory and Evidence from Regulatory Agencies."
,
99(3): 572-607.
Show Article Details
DOI: 10.1257/aer.99.3.572
Abstract:This paper develops a model in which a desire to avoid criticism prompts
otherwise public-spirited bureaucrats to behave inefficiently. Decisions
are taken to keep interest groups quiet and to keep mistakes out of the public
eye. The policy implications of this "minimal squawk" behavior are
at odds with the view that agencies should be structured to minimize the
threat of "capture." An empirical test using data from US State Public
Utility Commissions rejects the capture hypothesis and is consistent with
the squawk hypothesis: longer PUC terms of office are associated with
a higher incidence of rate reviews and lower household electricity bills.
(JEL D73, L51, L97, L98)
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Authors:
Leaver, Clare (Queen's College, U Oxford)
JEL Classifications:
D73: Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
L51: Economics of Regulation
L97: Utilities: General
L98: Industry Studies: Utilities and Transportation: Government Policy
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