This website uses cookies.

By clicking the "Accept" button or continuing to browse our site, you agree to first-party and session-only cookies being stored on your device to enhance site navigation and analyze site performance and traffic. For more information on our use of cookies, please see our Privacy Policy.

  1. Home
  2. ASSA Annual Meeting
  3. 2025
  4. Program
  5. Labor and Demographics Studies
« Back to Results

Labor and Demographics Studies

Paper Session

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (PST)

The Marker Union Square San Francisco, Archer
Hosted By: Association for Social Economics
  • Chair: tbd tbd, tbd

Hidden strikes: Understanding petty corruption and absenteeism in Tanzania's public sector

Francis Nyonzo
,
JamiiForums

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between low wages, limited freedoms in the labour market, and the prevalence of petty corruption and absenteeism among public sector employees in Tanzania. These challenges reflect the dissatisfaction and struggles of workers within an environment that fails to meet their basic needs. The concept of 'hidden strikes' is introduced to describe the coping mechanisms workers adopt when faced with limited options, such as engaging in petty corruption or being absent from work. These practices stem from inadequate remuneration and a lack of agency for workers to advocate for their rights or organize formal protests. The paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of these issues, including raising salaries to liveable standards and ensuring fair employment conditions. Innovative programmes which provide targeted incentives to improve performance and attendance, demonstrate the potential for tailored approaches within the public sector. By prioritizing the well-being of employees and enhancing labour market institutions, Tanzania can progress towards a more just and prosperous future while effectively combating petty corruption and absenteeism. This study emphasizes the importance of holistic measures in addressing systemic barriers to development and promoting economic resilience.

Financialisation in Big Tech Companies: Shareholders, Capital and Labour

Marcelo José do Carmo
,
Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar - Brazil
Mário Sacomano Neto
,
Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar - Brazil

Abstract

This paper discusses the financialisation in five Big Tech companies: Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Google and Microsoft. The analysis is supported by five indicators of financialisation: 1) shareholding composition, 2) mergers and acquisitions, 3) payment of dividends to shareholders and share repurchases, 4) compensations to executives, and 5) employees’ salaries. Multiple documents and reports support the in deep content and longitudinal analysis. Results reveal that these companies are controlled by large passive investment funds, banks and other financial organisations. The acquisitions are in great volume, concentrating even more the ownership. Moreover, it was found that a large number of dividends and compensations was paid during the observed period. In contrast, the results denote precarious jobs to the workers and low salaries. This study explores the financialisation of modern capitalistic enterprises, providing intriguing analysis for the debate about the monopoly of Big Techs in the contemporary economy.
JEL Classifications
  • J6 - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers
  • N3 - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy