Oskanian recalls economist Hirschman
Albert O. Hirschman, an influential economist who had authored several books on political economy and political ideology, died in December at the age of 97. He is widely known for his "Exit, Voice, and Loyalty" treatise, former foreign minister, Prosperous Armenia member Vartan Oskanian wrote on his Facebook account.
"The main idea of Hirschman's theory was that people respond to the deteriorating situation in two ways; they either turn their backs and go away, or struggle for changes. Of course, the factor of loyalty plays a major role in choosing the right option. The author of the treatise says the approach is equally applicable as to ordinary consumer environments, in small and big organizations and particularly in states.
If the consumer is dissatisfied with the quality of the product or the services of the store, he/she will either take another product of the same price or go to some other store. If he is a constant buyer of the store he attempts to recover the situation by voicing his complaint.
Similarly, the employees of a certain company will either resign or try to improve the situation in the company if they encounter similar problem there.
Public discontent with the situation in the country stirs up either struggle or emigration. Those unable to flee the country show disregard for the ongoing developments. Hirschman's treatise is quite topical, given the current situation in Armenia, the emigration rates and the forthcoming presidential elections," Vartan Oskanian said.
