Dweep Chanana
A literature review of the impact of microfinance
We may only just have seen new studies looking at the impact of microfinance. But the topic is not new. This literature review presents a short selection of studies on microfinance, its context, and its impact on the poor.
Why microsavings might be better
Microsavings seem to do much the same for the poor as microcredit (i.e. smooth consumption and investment). But they might do so at a lower cost, and bring additional benefits as well.
Microfinance is Growing Up
The failure in microfinance has been that it has for too long believed in its own rhetoric of poverty alleviation. Now that research proves otherwise, the debate is no longer about what impact microfinance has on society, but how society can use microfinance as a business.
There is Nothing Wrong with Climate Litigation
The WSJ argues that climate litigation is both frivolous, anti-business, and sets and a dangerous precedent leading to an anarchic world. Yet, a long history of litigation suggests that society is better for it. Despite the costs involved, the principle should simply be to let the truth prevail.
OLPC Lesson Part 2: Don’t Take Negroponte Seriously
Here is another lesson to be drawn from the experience of the OLPC XO series. Don’t take Nicholas Negroponte seriously. Even he doesn’t.
What Have we Learnt from OLPC?
Proponents of the OLPC assert that it is “changing education”, transforming students into self-learners, and making “discussions about whether to have computers in the classroom” obsolete. But in a world where schools still struggle to have a building and a blackboard, surely such enthusiasm is overstated.
Making Pay Work: Matching Bonuses and Penalties
Investors in the stock market know they can both loose and gain money. Entrepreneurs accept the same principle when setting up companies. Why should executives be different? To make compensation work and be fair, bonuses for good performance should be matched by actual penalties for poor performance.
Catalytic Philanthropy and the Delegation of Public Responsibility
The catalytic philanthropist seems to have arrived. But is that a good thing? By putting faith in individuals is society not delegating responsibility for improving its lot to wealthy individuals rather than to the elected representatives that are usually mandated that task?
