Exit, Voice and Loyalty in Asia

Book excerpt: This book provides insightful observations and analyses of Asian citizens’ behaviour associated with requests to get a permit in conditions typically characterized by bureaucratic callousness. Using the AsiaBarometer Survey data on quality of life, it studies various types of behaviour using the multi-level regression models for 32 countries. In doing so, the book provides insights into how these societies cope with the state’s bureaucratism using Albert Hirschman’s concepts of Exit, Voice and Loyalty. Arguments are then juxtaposed with issues such as rampant corruption, government regulatory principles and measures, and calls by international organisations and non-governmental groups for business firms to be more strictly bound. Given the generally receding tide of democracy in Asian societies, this book will be of interest to academics, business, mass media and other professionals.