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Estimation of the Economic Opportunity Cost of Labor: An Operational guide for Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Abdallah Othman

    (Cambridge Resources International Inc.)

  • Mikhail Miklyaev

    (Department of Economics, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L3N6 and Cambridge Resources International Inc.)

  • Glenn P. Jenkins

    (Department of Economics, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, K7L3N6 and Cambridge Resources International Inc.)

Abstract

This report employs the supply price approach to the estimation of the economic opportunity cost of labor (EOCL) for a number of labor market situations in Ghana. This is applied as an instrument for the economic evaluation of public projects to be implemented. The relevant literature refers to the significant heterogeneity of labor, which leads to a consideration of different types of labor. Accordingly, the EOCL will vary by skill, location, and labor market conditions, and these factors need to be incorporated in its estimation. In this analysis, the estimation has been carried out to quantify the EOCL and the conversion factor corresponding to the two types of labor: skilled and unskilled. Furthermore, these estimates refer to groups of labor according to areas of residence (urban/rural).

Suggested Citation

  • Abdallah Othman & Mikhail Miklyaev & Glenn P. Jenkins, 2022. "Estimation of the Economic Opportunity Cost of Labor: An Operational guide for Ghana," Development Discussion Papers 2022-07, JDI Executive Programs.
    • Handle: RePEc:qed:dpaper:4585
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Glenn Jenkins, 1995. "Economic Opportunity Cost Of Labour: A Synthesis," Development Discussion Papers 1995-02, JDI Executive Programs.
    2. Barry T. Hirsch & Bruce E. Kaufman & Tetyana Zelenska, 2015. "Minimum Wage Channels of Adjustment," Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(2), pages 199-239, April.
    3. Alan B. Krueger & Andreas Mueller, 2011. "Job Search and Job Finding in a Period of Mass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data," Working Papers 1295, Princeton University, Department of Economics, Center for Economic Policy Studies..
    4. Greenberg, David H. & Robins, Philip K., 2008. "Incorporating nonmarket time into benefit-cost analyses of social programs: An application to the self-sufficiency project," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(3-4), pages 766-794, April.
    5. Hasan Ali Biçak & Glenn P. Jenkins & Chun-Yan Kuo & M Benjamin Mphahlele, 2004. "An Operational Guide to The Estimation Of The Economic Opportunity Cost Of Labour In South Africa," Development Discussion Papers 2004-08, JDI Executive Programs.
    6. Nxumalo, Mpumelelo Author-Name: Raju, Dhushyanth, "undated". "Structural Transformation and Labor Market Performance in Ghana," Jobs Group Papers, Notes, and Guides 154568, The World Bank.
    7. Jenkins, Glenn P & Montmarquette, Claude, 1979. "Estimating the Private and Social Opportunity Cost of Displaced Workers," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 61(3), pages 342-353, August.
    8. Hasan Ali Bicak & Glenn P Jenkins & Chun‐Yan Kuo & M Benjamin Mphahlele, 2004. "An Operational Guide To The Estimation Of The Economic Opportunity Cost Of Labour In South Africa1," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 72(5), pages 1057-1068, December.
    9. Harris, John R & Todaro, Michael P, 1970. "Migration, Unemployment & Development: A Two-Sector Analysis," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 60(1), pages 126-142, March.
    10. Mike Brewer & Marco Francesconi & Paul Gregg & Jeffrey Grogger, 2009. "Feature: In-work Benefit Reform in a Cross-National Perspective - Introduction," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 119(535), pages 1-14, February.
    11. George J. Borjas, 2021. "Self-Selection and the Earnings of Immigrants," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Foundational Essays in Immigration Economics, chapter 4, pages 69-91, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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    13. Michaud, Pierre-Carl & Vencatachellum, Desire, 2003. "Human Capital Externalities in South Africa," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 51(3), pages 603-628, April.
    14. Alan B. Krueger & Andreas Mueller, 2011. "Job Search, Emotional Well-Being and Job Finding in a Period of Mass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data," Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Economic Studies Program, The Brookings Institution, vol. 42(1 (Spring), pages 1-81.
    15. Otoo, Kwabena Nyarko, 2019. "Informality and Labour Regulations in Ghana," Books, Rainer Hampp Verlag, number 9783957102522.
    16. Krueger, Alan B. & Mueller, Andreas I., 2011. "Job Search and Job Finding in a Period of Mass Unemployment: Evidence from High-Frequency Longitudinal Data," IZA Discussion Papers 5450, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economic Cost; Labor; Supply Price; Protected Wage; Investment Appraisal;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J43 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Agricultural Labor Markets
    • H43 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Project Evaluation; Social Discount Rate

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