TY  - RPRT
        AU  - Arun, Thankom Gopinath
AU  - Annim, Samuel
        TI  - Economic Governance of MFIs: Inside the Black Box
        PY  - 2010/Aug/
        PB  - Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
        CY  - Bonn
        T2  - IZA Discussion Paper
        IS  - 5159
        UR  - https://www.iza.org/index.php/publications/dp5159
        AB  - This paper investigates a relationship between economic governance and the dual objectives of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): poverty reduction and financial viability. Using an unbalanced panel of 531 MFIs the important role of other institutions such as country-level business registry departments in facilitating targeting of poor clients is illuminated. Comparing the estimates of Hausman-Taylor and Fixed Effects Vector Decomposition allows us to scrutinize and at least partially correct the effects of both time invariant and slow changing endogenous variables. We find that credit information availability and lesser time in securing property enhances the chances of MFIs in achieving their poverty reduction objective. Product diversification leading to economies of scope also enables MFIs to reach poor clients. On the basis of the above, it is imperative for government and development partners to channel their efforts towards provision of an enabling atmosphere that will enhance the achievement of microfinance social objectives.
        KW  - microfinance
KW  - dual objectives
KW  - economic governance
KW  - property rights
KW  - credit information
        ER  -