Market forces for mobsters too
In a twist to the labor market flexibility debate, the Financial Times reports dramatically more flexible working hours in the Japanese underworld. Japanese police reveal over 50 percent of gang members are now "part-time," opting out of the hierarchical world of full-time mobsterhood – compared to 30% in the regular economy.
Gangs have also become more efficient. In spite of a steady advance in revenue, which has mirrored the economy's return to modest health since 2002, they have cut their workforce. Last year it fell by 1,600. "These guys are the best entrepreneurs in the country, certainly the most responsive to change in business conditions," says a lawyer who deals with underworld issues. Estimates of the size of crime-related activity remain notoriously sketchy, making it impossible for economists to calculate gains in total mobster factor productivity.
Comments (1)
Delicious
E-mail
Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
It is not only in Japan that this is so.
In the 1990's I was in Latvia and observed and overheard Russian and local Mafia instructions and movements as well as in Slovakia and Ukraine.
In one conversation 3 mafia bosses arrived at the open air coffee shop and in English the major person gave instructions to the two others for one to go to Franfurt on a mission and another to Helsinki - he was going to Rome - they then got in their individual cars.
One German woman consultant needing money for a project asked my advice on if the mafia would help.
My answer was, if it is under $30 million they will not be interested and if over that amount then you will be out of your depth.
Senior crime bosses are grade A businessmen but you do not mess with them.
Rgds. Colin
Posted by: Colin Wilfred Holland | Feb 16, 2007 6:07:22 AM