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Economic Growth and Unemployment Nexus: Okun’s Two-Version Case for Nigeria, South Africa and United States of America

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  • Adegbemi Babatunde Onakoya
  • Adedotun SEYINGBO Victor

Abstract

Okun’s law in its original form was predicated on the experience in the United States of America. Some methodological refinements have been added based on studies conducted in other climes with varied results. This research investigated the applicability of this law in Nigeria, South Africa and the United States of America. The study conducted a comparative analysis of three of the versions of the law. The research employed Ordinary Least Squares method having validated it’s appropriateness with Dickey-Fuller and Philips-Perron tests. The demonstrated superiority of the dynamic version over the difference version was manifest in all the countries. The result also showed that the dynamic version of the law was applicable in the three nations while the difference version showed the lack of linkage between economic growth and unemployment only in Nigeria. Deployment of employment creative employment schemes, labour market reform and economic restructuring are recommended in the Nigerian case. The policy makers on South Africa and USA are enjoined to pursue growth- inducing policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Adegbemi Babatunde Onakoya & Adedotun SEYINGBO Victor, 2020. "Economic Growth and Unemployment Nexus: Okun’s Two-Version Case for Nigeria, South Africa and United States of America," Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies, AMH International, vol. 12(1), pages 55-65.
    • Handle: RePEc:rnd:arjebs:v:12:y:2020:i:1:p:55-65
    DOI: 10.22610/jebs.v12i1(J).3006
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    Cited by:

    1. Mustafa Orhan Özer, 2022. "The Relationship between Economic Growth and Unemployment Rate: Fractional Frequency Fourier ARDL Bounds Test Approach," Istanbul Journal of Economics-Istanbul Iktisat Dergisi, Istanbul University, Faculty of Economics, vol. 72(72-1), pages 269-292, June.
    2. Stungwa, Sanele & Tozamile, Siphuxolo, 2021. "Testing Okun’s law in South Africa," MPRA Paper 110936, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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