infonet-economy

Using disaggregated quarterly trade data for Switzerland over 2004-2011, we study exchange rate pass through (ERPT) into imported intermediate input prices and its role in the price setting behavior of exporters. We explicitly include disaggregated proxies for imported input prices in our analyses to investigate whether Swiss exporters may have "naturally hedged" exchange…

This paper reviews the economic interventions by governments and central banks in response to the 2007-2009 financial and economic crisis.

In the area of trade policy, we find that protectionism has increased substantially, with governments targeting in particular the products of declining industries and financial services. Nevertheless, spiralling protectionism as in the…

Family companies are characterized by their unique combination of dynastic will,
family ownership and professional management: this connection produces a dynamic that offers competitive advantages, but it also harbors potential risks.
Generational change in family businesses is a highly complex process and often constitutes a balancing act for everyone involved - family,…

An organization's contribution to the wider public can be seen in different ways. Self-reported data from Switzerland and Germany indicate that top managers vary considerably concerning their awareness of various multiple realities. We explain this phenomenon by drawing on the notion of cognitive style, using the metaphor of hedgehogs and foxes. It is argued that research should…

A study by KPMG and the University of St Gallen investigates how private banks react to recent changes in their external environment. To address this question, private banks from Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Singapore and Hong Kong have been interviewed and surveyed. Results show that significant country variations exist in how private banks view their external environment, in…

This book explores causes and consequences of interfirm rivalry within the global insurance industry. Based on three empirical studies, the book investigates (1) the mechanisms driving firm positioning and strategic group dynamics, (2) the impact of market shocks on firms' competitive behavior, and (3) the determinants of stock market responses to individual competitive actions…