Managing Trade: Evidence from China and the US

Kalina Manova, Nicholas Bloom, Stephen Teng Sun, John van Reenen and Zhihong Yu ()

No 13001, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: We present a heterogeneous-firm model in which management ability increases both production efficiency and product quality. Combining six micro-datasets on management practices, production and trade in Chinese and American firms, we find broad support for the model's predictions. First, better managed firms are more likely to export, sell more products to more destination countries, and earn higher export revenues and profits. Second, better managed exporters have higher prices, higher quality, and lower quality-adjusted prices. Finally, they also use a wider range of inputs, higher quality and more expensive inputs, and imported inputs from more advanced countries. The structural estimates indicate that management is important for improving production efficiency and product quality in both countries, but it matters more in China than in the US, especially for product quality. Panel analysis for the US and a randomized control trial in India suggest that management exerts causal effects on product quality, production efficiency, and exports. Poor management practices may thus hinder trade and growth, especially in developing countries.

Keywords: Management; Exports; Product quality; Productivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F10 F14 F23 L20 O19 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-int and nep-tra
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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Related works:
Working Paper: MANAGING TRADE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA AND THE US (2019)
Working Paper: Managing trade: evidence from China and the US (2018)
Working Paper: Managing Trade: Evidence from China and the US (2018)
Working Paper: Managing trade: evidence from China and the US (2018)
Working Paper: Managing Trade: Evidence from China and the US (2018)
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