edoc

Fixed-term employment and job satisfaction : evidence from individual-level data accounting for selectivity bias

Beckmann, Michael and Binz, Andrea and Schauenberg, Bernd. (2007) Fixed-term employment and job satisfaction : evidence from individual-level data accounting for selectivity bias. WWZ Discussion Papers, 2007 (03). Basel.

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
440Kb

Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A4248413

Downloads: Statistics Overview

Abstract

The present paper examines the relationship between fixed-term employment and job satisfaction using individual-level data from the German Socio Economic Panel (GSOEP). According to theoretical expectations, fixed-term employment should be associated with a relative low level of job satisfaction, and the majority of empirical investigations is actually in line with this prediction. However, none of these studies accounts for the fact that a worker's choice of whether or not to accept a temporary working contract might substantially be driven by individual characteristics and would then be endogenous. In contrast to prior studies, our preferred model specification explicitly accounts for a potential selectivity bias. The estimation results of our treatment effects model indicate a positive connection between fixedterm employment and job satisfaction. Hence, we conclude that job satisfaction on average is not negatively affected by the pure duration of an employment contract, but by individual characteristics, job-related factors, and working conditions. Nevertheless, we would not recommend firms to replace permanent by fixed-term workers as the latter are more satisfied with their jobs associated with higher motivation and productivity levels. Instead, firms are encouraged to improve working conditions, especially for better educated and more tenured workers.
Faculties and Departments:06 Faculty of Business and Economics > Departement Wirtschaftswissenschaften > Professuren Wirtschaftswissenschaften > Personal und Organisation (Beckmann)
12 Special Collections > WWZ Publications > WWZ Discussion Papers and Working Papers
UniBasel Contributors:Beckmann, Michael
Item Type:Working Paper
Publisher:WWZ
Note: -- Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Discussion paper / Internet publication
Language:English
Identification Number:
  • handle: RePEc:bsl:wpaper:2007/03
edoc DOI:
Last Modified:13 Mar 2018 14:43
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 14:18

Repository Staff Only: item control page