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Wages And Workplace Computer Use In Chile

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  • JOSÉ MIGUEL BENAVENTE
  • DAVID BRAVO
  • RODRIGO MONTERO

Abstract

This paper presents robust evidence regarding the impact of computer use at the workplace in Chile for the period 2000-2006. The main contribution is to present evidence in a developing country using matching techniques, assuming a homogeneous treatment effect. Wage impact is then measured through the nearest neighbor and kernel estimator. Results consistently show that there is a premium associated to the use of computers at the workplace, which is interpreted as an increase in the person’s productivity derived from the inclusion of an additional production factor, i.e. the computer. All of this is consistent with a model where penetration of computers decreases this premium, something that actually has occurred in Chile during this period. In effect, the estimates show a premium about 26% for 2000 but in 2006 it goes down to 16%.
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  • José Miguel Benavente & David Bravo & Rodrigo Montero, 2011. "Wages And Workplace Computer Use In Chile," The Developing Economies, Institute of Developing Economies, vol. 49(4), pages 382-403, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:deveco:v:49:y:2011:i:4:p:382-403
    DOI: j.1746-1049.2011.00144.x
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    2. Tiare Rivera, 2019. "Efectos de la automatización en el empleo en Chile," Revista de Analisis Economico – Economic Analysis Review, Universidad Alberto Hurtado/School of Economics and Business, vol. 34(1), pages 3-49, April.
    3. Mathias Silva, 2016. "TIC y Desigualdad Salarial en Uruguay," Documentos de Investigación Estudiantil (students working papers) 16-06, Instituto de Economía - IECON.
    4. Joaquin Marandino & Phanindra V. Wunnava, 2017. "The Effect of Access to Information and Communication Technology on Household Labor Income: Evidence from One Laptop Per Child in Uruguay," Economies, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-10, September.

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