The Low Skill Trap

Publication type

Journal Article

Authors

Publication date

September 1, 2002

Abstract:

Recently, it has become popular to argue that certain workers have fallen into a trap in which they have poor skills, few job opportunities and a low return on training, while others have not. This paper demonstrates how such a trap can occur within a simple matching model with rent sharing. Rent sharing diminishes the worker's incentive to acquire skills; however, since firms also benefit from training, rent sharing likewise induces job creation. The subsequent improved matching prospects may offset the initial disincentive to invest. However, for this mechanism to be effective, firms and workers must coordinate their actions. If they do not, the trap occurs.

Published in

European Economic Review

Volume and page numbers

Volume: 46 , p.1 -1

Link

- http://www1.elsevier.com/homepage/sae/econworld/econbase/eer/frame.htm

Notes

Held online ASL - http://serlib0.essex.ac.uk/record=b1628528~S5

#519406

News

Latest findings, new research

Publications search

Search all research by subject and author

Podcasts

Researchers discuss their findings and what they mean for society

Projects

Background and context, methods and data, aims and outputs

Events

Conferences, seminars and workshops

Survey methodology

Specialist research, practice and study

Taking the long view

ISER's annual report

Themes

Key research themes and areas of interest