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Evaluating Active Labor Market Programs in Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Rodríguez-Planas, Núria

    (Queens College, CUNY)

  • Benus, Jacob

    (affiliation not available)

Abstract

We evaluate the presence of effects from joining one of four active labour market programs in Romania in the late 1990s compared to the no-program state. Using rich survey data and propensity score matching, we find that three programs (training and retraining, small business assistance, and employment and relocation services) had success in improving participants' economic outcomes and were cost-beneficial from society’s perspective. In contrast, public employment was found detrimental for the employment prospects of its participants. We also find that there is considerable heterogeneity, which suggests that targeting may improve the effectiveness of these programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Rodríguez-Planas, Núria & Benus, Jacob, 2006. "Evaluating Active Labor Market Programs in Romania," IZA Discussion Papers 2464, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp2464
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    propensity score matching; net social benefits; transition economies; active labour market programs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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