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Job Characteristics and Labour Supply

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  • Kunze, Lars
  • Suppa, Nicolai

Abstract

We document the importance of non-pecuniary aspects in employment relationships by showing that labour supply elasticities differ significantly among individuals' job characteristics. Factor analysis indicates the relevance of four characteristics: autonomy, workload, variety and job security. Using a discrete choice model of family labour supply on the basis of Australian data, we show that income elasticities are significantly higher among individuals with 'good' characteristics (e.g. a securer job) whereas wage elasticities are significantly lower. This result holds for both men and women. Our main hypothesis are derived within the 'new approach to consumer theory proposed by Lancaster.

Suggested Citation

  • Kunze, Lars & Suppa, Nicolai, 2013. "Job Characteristics and Labour Supply," Ruhr Economic Papers 418, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:418
    DOI: 10.4419/86788473
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Izabela Ostoj, 2018. "Reasons full-time students of economics in Poland undertake jobs," Managerial Economics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Management, vol. 19(1), pages 117-131.
    2. Suppa, Nicolai, 2012. "Job Characteristics and Subjective Well-Being in Australia – A Capability Approach Perspective," Ruhr Economic Papers 388, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    3. Nicolai Suppa, 2012. "Job Characteristics and Subjective Well-Being in Australia – A Capability Approach Perspective," Ruhr Economic Papers 0388, Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universität Dortmund, Universität Duisburg-Essen.
    4. H. Xavier Jara, 2015. "The Effect of Job Insecurity on Labour Supply," Australian Journal of Labour Economics (AJLE), Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), Curtin Business School, vol. 18(2), pages 187-204.
    5. repec:zbw:rwirep:0388 is not listed on IDEAS
    6. Calabrese, Matteo & Van Leeuwen, Bas, 2023. "Socio-economic characteristics as determinants in the job market: The case of Piedmont in Italy (1867–2005)," MPRA Paper 119299, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Labour supply; Discrete choice model; Job characteristics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities

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