Z13 - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic StratificationReturn

This study examines the link between cultural patterns and fiscal policy in 29 EU/EFTA countries. Using Ward’s clustering on Hofstede’s dimensions, five groups were formed. Results confirm that cultural clusters share similar tax and expenditure structures. Regression analysis shows that a 1% increase in individualism raises tax revenues by 0.686% and spending by 0.655% (social +0.740%, human capital +0.364%, classical +0.375%, economic +0.340%). A 1% rise in long-term orientation increases indirect tax shares by 0.717% and income taxes by 0.340%. Uncertainty avoidance (+1%) correlates with higher tax revenues (+0.164%) and indirect taxes (+0.298%). Dimensions like individualism, uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, restraint, and power distance differentiate expenditure structures. These findings indicate that cultural patterns significantly influence fiscal policies, posing challenges for a uniform EU fiscal model.

We provide systematic evidence of the effect of alphabetical sorting on corporate performance based on over a decade of data covering seventeen EU countries in three European language families. We also measure the effects of using English words in a corporate name in a non-English-speaking country, of a corporate name containing a 'national' (patriotic) word, and of simple linguistic properties highlighted in the brand-name marketing literature. Using multiple measures of corporate performance, we find companies sorted low in the alphabet to be less successful in several European countries, particularly in services. 'National' words are associated with substantially higher sales growth in, e.g., Poland, Norway, France and Spain, while the use of English words in company names curbs (fosters) sales growth in Romance- (Slavic-) language countries.

The paper is concerned with the famous study "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" (1904/1905) by Max Weber. It analyzes both main content and context of this work. It is shown that the main idea of the "Protestant Ethic" is not originally one of Weber, but it was taken over from Sombart and Troeltsch. Weber was significantly influenced - similarly as in his other works - by his environment and contemporaries. The article describes critical reactions of German historians towards "Protestant Ethic" and reserved attitudes of the Catholics.

Economic theories that may enrich the understanding of volunteerism have either not received an adequate attention or have not been explicitly identified. Furthermore, the significant contribution made by volunteer labour to the national income and employment goes unnoticed in economic terms. This article, which was inspired by research of the Center for Development and Research of the University of Bonn from the 2001, concentrates on a conceptual framework to measure an economic contribution made by volunteer labour and thereby to raise its societal appreciation.