6533b7d5fe1ef96bd12648cb

RESEARCH PRODUCT

The effects of religion on development efforts : evidence from the microfinance industry and a research agenda

Bert D'espallierRoy MerslandMagne Supphellen

subject

Economics and EconometricsMicrofinanceEconomic growthSociology and Political ScienceVDP::Social science: 200::Economics: 210Geography Planning and DevelopmentDevelopmentdevelopment providerslaw.inventionlawefficiencymicrofinancereligionEconomicsMFIsperformance

description

Author's version of an article in the journal: World Development. Also avaliable from the publisher at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.05.030 This study responds to the need for more empirical knowledge pertaining to the effect of religion on development efforts. We use data from the microfinance industry to study performance differences between Christian and secular Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). We find that Christian MFIs have significantly lower funding costs and consistently underperform in terms of financial profit indicators. Contrary to our hypotheses Christian MFIs are as efficient in assuring loan repayment and their average loan sizes are on par with those of their secular peers.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2012-01-01
10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.05.030http://hdl.handle.net/11250/136029