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The Growth and Valuation of Generic Skills

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  • Andy Dickerson
  • Francis Green

Abstract

Using a method for measuring job skills derived from survey data on detailed work activities, we show that between 1997 and 2001 there was a growth in Britain in the utilisation of computing skills, literacy, numeracy, technical know-how, high level communication skills, planning skills, client communication skills, horizontal communication skills, problem-solving and checking skills. Computer skills and high-level communication skills carry positive wage premia, as shown both in cross-section hedonic wage equations and through a within-cohorts change analysis. No part of the gender pay gap can be accounted for by differences in levels of generic skills between men and women.

Suggested Citation

  • Andy Dickerson & Francis Green, 2002. "The Growth and Valuation of Generic Skills," Studies in Economics 0203, School of Economics, University of Kent.
    • Handle: RePEc:ukc:ukcedp:0203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christophe Muller & Christophe J. Nordman, 2017. "Wages and on-the-job training in Tunisia," Middle East Development Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(2), pages 294-318, July.
    2. Anne E. Green, 2003. "Labour Market Trends, Skill Needs and the Ageing of the Workforce: A Challenge for Employability?," Local Economy, London South Bank University, vol. 18(4), pages 306-321, November.
    3. Huajie Jiang & Qiguo Gong, 2022. "Does Skill Polarization Affect Wage Polarization? U.S. Evidence 2009–2021," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.
    4. Irena Grugulis & Steven Vincent, 2009. "Whose skill is it anyway?," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 23(4), pages 597-615, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    skills; wages; computers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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