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The Impact of Aggregate and Sectoral Fluctuations on Training Decisions

Author

Listed:
  • Caponi, Vincenzo

    (CREST)

  • Kayahan, Cevat Burc

    (affiliation not available)

  • Plesca, Miana

    (University of Guelph)

Abstract

So far the literature has found that the effect of macroeconomic fluctuations on training decisions is ambiguous. On the one hand, the opportunity cost to train is lower during downturns, and thus training should be counter-cyclical. On the other hand, a positive shock may be related to the adoption of new technologies and increased returns to skill, making training incidence pro-cyclical. Using the Canadian panel of Workplace and Employee Survey (WES) we find that (i) training moves counter-cyclical with the aggregate business cycle (more training during downturns), while at the same time (ii) the idiosyncratic sectoral shocks have a positive impact on training incidence (more training in sectors doing relatively better). This finding helps us understand training decisions by firms and has important theoretical and policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Caponi, Vincenzo & Kayahan, Cevat Burc & Plesca, Miana, 2009. "The Impact of Aggregate and Sectoral Fluctuations on Training Decisions," IZA Discussion Papers 4042, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4042
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tat‐kei Lai & Travis Ng, 2014. "The impact of product market competition on training provision: Evidence from Canada," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 47(3), pages 856-888, August.
    2. Halima Jibril & Stephen Roper & Mark Hart, 2021. "COVID-19, business support and SME productivity in the UK," Working Papers 005, The Productivity Institute.
    3. Hector Sala & José Silva, 2013. "Labor productivity and vocational training: evidence from Europe," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 40(1), pages 31-41, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    business cycles; training;

    JEL classification:

    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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