Unveiling the nexus of shadow economy and economic growth through the lens of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions: a case of emerging nations

The present study seeks to investigate the impact of the shadow economy on the economic growth of the South Asian countries. Additionally, the study also explores the moderating influence of Hofstede’s national culture dimensions on the shadow economy-economy growth nexus. In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the study employs robust econometric tools based on panel data from South Asian countries. The empirical estimate indicates that the shadow economy has a negative influence on the economic growth of the South Asian countries. Moreover, the study further reveals that power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance have a negative impact on economic growth, while individualism and long-term orientation positively influence the economic growth of South Asian countries. Furthermore, in context to the moderating variables, the study reveals that cultural dimensions such as power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance exacerbate the negative impact of the shadow economy on economic growth, while individualism and long-term orientation help moderate this negative impact. Finally, the Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel causality test reveals bidirectional causality between the shadow economy and economic growth and unidirectional causality between cultural factors, economic growth, and the shadow economy. The study assists to comprehend how cultural factors affect the relationship between the shadow economy and economic growth and offer several policy recommendations.