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Computer Usage and Labour Regulation in India's Retail Sector

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  • Mohammad Amin

Abstract

A recent survey of 1,948 retail stores in India conducted by the World Bank's Enterprise surveys shows that 19 per cent of all stores use computers. In the state of Kerala, the figure is as high as 40 per cent. Using this survey, we estimate the effect of computer usage on labour employment. Our findings show that this effect depends on the stringency of the underlying labour laws. Stricter labour laws magnify the labour displacing effect of computers significantly.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Amin, 2010. "Computer Usage and Labour Regulation in India's Retail Sector," Journal of Development Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(9), pages 1572-1592.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:jdevst:v:46:y:2010:i:9:p:1572-1592
    DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2010.492868
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Amin, Mohammad, 2009. "Labor regulation and employment in India's retail stores," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(1), pages 47-61, March.
    2. Bresnahan, Timothy F, 1999. "Computerisation and Wage Dispersion: An Analytical Reinterpretation," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 109(456), pages 390-415, June.
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