Question

Initially, the number of tools per worker was higher in Hermes than in Gobbledigook. From 2012 to 2062, capital per worker rises by 5 units in each country. The 5-unit change in capital per worker causes productivity in Hermes to rise by asmaller amount than productivity in Gobbledigook. This illustrates the ___________ effect.

Answer 1

Options:

Human capital, Natural resources, technology, catch-up

Answer:

Catch-up effect

Explanation:

In 2012, Hermes had 30 workers and 11 tools per worker, total output was 1,800. Output per worker = 60

In 2062, Hermes also had 30 workers but it has 16 tools per worker, total output was 2,160. Output per worker = 72

In 2012, Gobbledigook had 30 workers and 8 tools per worker, total output was 900. Output per worker = 30

In 2062, Gobbledigook also had 30 workers and 13 tools per worker, total output was 1,620. Output per worker = 54

The workers in Hermes increased their productivity by 20% using 5 more tools, while the workers in Gobbledigook increased their productivity by 80% using 5 more tools.

The catch-up effect states that poorer economies tend to grow more rapidly than wealthier economies, e.g. China consistently grows at around 7% a year, while the US growth rate is between 2-3%. In absolute terms, the US economy is still larger with a much higher GDP per capita, but in the future both economies will have the same GDP per capita.

Answer 2

Answer: Catch up effect

Explanation: As per the theory of catch up effect, the economies of the world with poor financial conditions will grow more rapidly than those of the wealthy economies.

In the given case, Hermes had a better tool per worker than the Gobbledigook, and the equal change in capital units in  both economies resulted in more impact on Gobbledigook.

Thus, we can conclude that the given case illustrates catch up effect.