Organizational Alternatives in Soviet-Type Economies

In this volume, which was originally published in 1979, an essay of analysis prefaces a collection of translated papers from Eastern Europe.

Nicolas Spulber (Author)

9780521179966, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 17 February 2011

302 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.7 cm, 0.45 kg

In this volume, which was originally published in 1979, an essay of analysis prefaces a collection of translated papers from Eastern Europe. The juxtaposition of analysis and original documents from Eastern European authorities (both revered there and disgraced) enables the reader to join in the experience of interpretation. The essay (Part I) provides an analysis of the mechanisms of Soviet-type economies. It concentrates on four issues: decision-making processes; the limits upon the choices made; practical implementation of the choices; and the objectives implied by them. This ends with an explanation of the relatively scant application of economic principles to the operation of this type of economic system. Part II is a reader consisting of appropriately chosen original texts from Eastern European sources grouped into sections on administration, resource allocation, planning and incentives. The issues are examined in relation to the special conditions which brought them to a head.

Part I: Introduction
1. The decision makers and the decision process
2. Constraints and normative rules
3. Choice of instruments and requirements on the processor
4. Determinants of the objectives of control
5. Critical appraisals of the variants, and further searches
Part II. Selected Essays
Section 1. Bureaucracy and the Economy: Introductory note
1. Reversion to primitive democracy V. I. Lenin
2. On workers' management in economic enterprises J. B. Tito
3. Significance of workers' and social self-management J. B. Tito
Section 2. Interplay between Socialization, Resource Shifts and the Economy's Laws: Introductory note
4. Remarks on economic questions J. V. Stalin
5. The role and significance of the N. E. P. I. Nagy
6. Some issues of political economy T. Nagy
7. Some theoretical issues of economic planning P. Erdös
8. On the subject of economics and economic laws E. Lipi?ski
Section 3. Scope and Methods of Planning: Introductory note
9. National economic plans M. Bor
10. A 'model' of the socialist economy E. Lipi?ski
11. Theses concerning certain modifications of the economic model [Polish] Economic Council
12. Controversy on the role of the central plan W. Brus
13. The origins of the present contradictions in our economy and how to eliminate them F. Jánossy
Section IV. Interests, Incentives, Goals: Introductory note
14. Sources and role of interests in socialist society G. Glezerman
15. Problems of the identity of interests in socialist society A. Lantay
16. Some fundamental problems of improving the system of management of the socialist economy B. Kimenda and C. Kožušník
17. Plan and market in the socialist economy K. Kouba
Index.

Subject Areas: Economics [KC]