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Do Technological Improvements in the Manufacturing Sector Raise or Lower Employment?

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  • Yongsung Chang
  • Jay H. Hong

Abstract

We find that technology's effect on employment varies greatly across manufacturing industries. Some industries exhibit a temporary reduction in employment in response to a permanent increase in TFP, whereas many more industries exhibit an employment increase in response to a permanent TFP shock. This raises serious questions about existing work that finds a labor productivity shock has a strong negative effect on employment. There are tantalizing and interesting differences between TFP and labor productivity. We argue that TFP is a more natural measure of technology because labor productivity reflects shifts in the input mix as well as in technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Yongsung Chang & Jay H. Hong, 2006. "Do Technological Improvements in the Manufacturing Sector Raise or Lower Employment?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 96(1), pages 352-368, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:96:y:2006:i:1:p:352-368
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/000282806776157687
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