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Entrepreneurial skills training for online freelancing: Experimental evidence from Haiti

Author

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  • Baptista, Dulce
  • Freund, Richard
  • Novella, Rafael

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a randomized pilot experiment in Haiti that aimed to improve online labor market outcomes by training workers in the entrepreneurial skills required to engage with online marketplaces. Despite relatively low completion rates, the program had significant positive impacts on online freelancing outcomes. Treated participants demonstrate increased activity in submitting online proposals and receiving client contacts, leading to improved online employment outcomes with more contracts signed. While the program shows no significant effects on broader labor market outcomes, we find evidence that it increases satisfaction, suggesting positive effects on well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Baptista, Dulce & Freund, Richard & Novella, Rafael, 2023. "Entrepreneurial skills training for online freelancing: Experimental evidence from Haiti," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:232:y:2023:i:c:s0165176523003968
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111371
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anderson, Michael L., 2008. "Multiple Inference and Gender Differences in the Effects of Early Intervention: A Reevaluation of the Abecedarian, Perry Preschool, and Early Training Projects," Journal of the American Statistical Association, American Statistical Association, vol. 103(484), pages 1481-1495.
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    3. Otto Kassi & Vili Lehdonvirta & Fabian Stephany, 2021. "How Many Online Workers are there in the World? A Data-Driven Assessment," Papers 2103.12648, arXiv.org, revised Apr 2021.
    4. Amanda Pallais & Emily Glassberg Sands, 2016. "Why the Referential Treatment? Evidence from Field Experiments on Referrals," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 124(6), pages 1793-1828.
    5. Kling, Jeffrey & Liebman, Jeffrey, 2004. "Experimental Analysis of Neighborhood Effects on Youth," Working Paper Series rwp04-034, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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    7. Amanda Pallais, 2014. "Inefficient Hiring in Entry-Level Labor Markets," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(11), pages 3565-3599, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Baptista, Dulce & Freund, Richard & Novella, Rafael, 2024. "Job training and search assistance for microwork: Evidence from Haiti," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 244(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Online freelancing; Entrepreneurial skills; Haiti;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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