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Direct and Indirect Complementarity between Workplace Reorganization and New Technology

Author

Listed:
  • Annalisa Cristini

    (University of Bergamo)

  • Alessandro Gaj

    (University of Bergamo)

  • Riccardo Leoni

    (University of Bergamo)

Abstract

We link survey and balance sheet data to investigate the extent of complementarity between the introduction of new technology and changes in workplace practices. Across all firms, we find that new technology is complementary with higher work intensity. Similarly, changes in work techniques yield diffuse complementarity gains, particularly in firms undergoing extensive restructuring. Changes in work organization yield, on average, complementarity gains in terms of productivity growth. Substitutability between new technology and specific workplace changes is sometimes found, consistently with the presence of costs associated to learning functions or resistance to changes.

Suggested Citation

  • Annalisa Cristini & Alessandro Gaj & Riccardo Leoni, 2008. "Direct and Indirect Complementarity between Workplace Reorganization and New Technology," Rivista di Politica Economica, SIPI Spa, vol. 98(2), pages 87-117, March-Apr.
    • Handle: RePEc:rpo:ripoec:v:98:y:2008:i:2:p:87-117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Riccardo Leoni, 2012. "Workplace Design, Complementarities among Work Practices, and the Formation of Key Competencies: Evidence from Italian Employees," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 65(2), pages 316-349, April.
    2. Riccardo Leoni, 2013. "Organization of work practices and productivity: an assessment of research on world- class manufacturing," Chapters, in: Anna Grandori (ed.), Handbook of Economic Organization, chapter 17, Edward Elgar Publishing.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    workplace practices; ICT investments; complementarity.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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