We use a survey of 452 Russian shops, most of which were privatized be
tween 1992 and 1993, to measure the importance of alternative channels
through which privatization promotes restructuring. Restructuring is
measured as major renovation, a change in suppliers, an increase in ho
urs stores stay open, and layoffs. There is strong evidence that the p
resence of new owners and new managers raises the likelihood of restru
cturing. In contrast, there is no evidence that equity incentives of o
ld managers promote restructuring. The evidence points to the critical
role new human capital plays in economic transformation.