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The impact of job training on temporary worker performance: Field experimental evidence from insurance sales agents

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  • Elizabeth Lyons

Abstract

Despite the limited incentives they provide for idiosyncratic investment, temporary work arrangements are becoming increasingly common. Using evidence from a field experiment conducted among salespeople in a Kenyan insurance firm, this paper examines the consequences of providing job training for temporary workers. The findings show that providing access to training significantly increases firm revenue, primarily due to performance increases among higher‐ability workers. The findings from the study are consistent with temporary workers willingness to invest in job training when the job‐specific returns from doing so are sufficiently high.

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  • Elizabeth Lyons, 2020. "The impact of job training on temporary worker performance: Field experimental evidence from insurance sales agents," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 29(1), pages 122-146, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jemstr:v:29:y:2020:i:1:p:122-146
    DOI: 10.1111/jems.12333
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    2. Jensen, Nathan & Lyons, Elizabeth & Chebelyon, Eddy & Bras, Ronan Le & Gomes, Carla, 2020. "Conspicuous monitoring and remote work," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 176(C), pages 489-511.
    3. Martins, Pedro S., 2021. "Employee training and firm performance: Evidence from ESF grant applications," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    4. Pedro S. Martins, 2020. "Employee Training and Firm Performance: Quasi-experimental evidence from the European Social Fund," GEE Papers 0152, Gabinete de Estratégia e Estudos, Ministério da Economia, revised Jun 2020.

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