Zitatform

Griffy, Benjamin, Adrian Masters & Kai You (2025): Unemployment insurance and job polarization. In: Labour Economics, Jg. 93. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2025.102690

Abstract

"This paper considers how the structure of the UI system interacts with the observed profile of separations to generate “job-polarization” – wage and separation rate persistence. We extend a standard on-the-job labor search model to include an initial period of high separation rates until the job stochastically becomes more stable. Meanwhile a worker’s UI entitlement varies in generosity (based on their former wage) and duration (based on their employment history). The separation structure means that some workers have extended periods of frequent job loss. The UI system amplifies these effects because workers with low benefit eligibility apply for low wage jobs. Their subsequent applications then leave them more highly susceptible to future job loss. Our calibration suggests that this effect accounts for around 1% lower lifetime average wages." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2025 Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.) ((en))

Zitatform

Hurst, Erik, Patrick J. Kehoe, Elena Pastorino & Thomas Winberry (2025): The Macroeconomic Dynamics of Labor Market Policies. (NBER working paper / National Bureau of Economic Research 33614), Cambridge, Mass, 53 S. DOI:10.3386/w33614

Abstract

"We develop a dynamic macroeconomic framework with worker heterogeneity, putty-clay adjustment frictions, and firm monopsony power to study the distributional impact of labor market policies over time. Our framework reconciles the well-known tension between low short-run and high long-run elasticities of substitution across inputs of production, especially among workers with different skills within a same education group. We use this framework to evaluate the effects of redistributive policies such as the minimum wage and the Earned Income Tax Credit. We argue that since these policies generate slow transition dynamics that can differ greatly in the short and long run, a serious assessment of their overall impact must take account of the entire time path of the responses they induce." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Mabli, James, Leah Shiferaw, Gretchen Rowe, Peter Schochet & Kelley Monzella (2025): An Experimental Evaluation of the Impacts of SNAP Employment and Training Pilots on Service Receipt, Labor Market Outcomes, and SNAP Participation. In: Applied economic perspectives and policy. DOI:10.1002/aepp.70011

Abstract

"This article presents findings from a large, longitudinal randomized evaluation of the effectiveness of 10 SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) pilots that offered new and innovative strategies to increase the earnings and employment of SNAP participants. All the pilots increased the take-up of employment and training-related activities and nearly all increased receipt of case management and support services. The pilots increased annual earnings in three states by $800 to $2,000 and increased the rate of employment by 4 to 6percentage points. Findings can help policymakers identify new promising strategies for expanding opportunities and reducing barriers to work." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Parolin, Zachary & Clemente Pignatti (2025): Employment and Consumption Responses to the Withdrawal of Unemployment Benefits. In: ILR review, Jg. 78, H. 3, S. 543-570. DOI:10.1177/00197939251322173

Abstract

"The authors study the responses to the withdrawal of two generous unemployment benefit (UB) schemes introduced in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploiting variations across states in the timing of the policy change. Using data from the Current Population Survey, they find that the expiration of UBs increased unemployment-to-employment transitions. However, approximately half of this effect was driven by job recalls. Evidence also shows that unemployed individuals transitioned into lower quality jobs, compared to their previous occupations, and that young job seekers not eligible for UBs were displaced by increased job-search competition. Using both survey and transaction data, the authors also provide complementary evidence on the consumption effects of the policy change. They document a small reduction in consumption after the withdrawal of pandemic UBs for some non-necessary spending categories." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Whitacre, Denise (2025): A program evaluation of the new choices workforce development program: An appreciative inquiry approach. In: Evaluation and program planning, Jg. 108. DOI:10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102507

Abstract

"A significant amount of money ($1.76B annually in the United States) is spent on workforce development programs, while there is limited research on the effectiveness of workforce development programs in meeting their program objectives and assisting program participants in attaining employment. This study evaluated the New Choices Program, a workforce development program offered by PA Women Work, to help its clients obtain employment and overcome personal and professional barriers. The program has historically been offered in a 30-hour in person format but was forced to be modified to a 10-hour virtual program when the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions began. This program evaluation included a comparative analysis of the perceptions of participants in the 30-hour in person program and the 10-hour virtual program. It was found that participants in both the 30-hour in person program and 10-hour virtual program perceived the program positively, experienced an increase in self-confidence and belonging, which led to either obtaining employment or being better prepared for the job search process. The data will help inform the New Choices program stakeholders on programmatic improvements and how best to structure the program in the post-pandemic employment world." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.) ((en))

Zitatform

Andersson, Fredrik, Harry J. Holzer, Julia I. Lane, David Rosenblum & Jeffrey Smith (2024): Does Federally Funded Job Training Work? Nonexperimental Estimates of WIA Training Impacts Using Longitudinal Data on Workers and Firms. In: The Journal of Human Resources, Jg. 59, H. 4, S. 1244-1283. DOI:10.3368/jhr.0816-8185r1

Abstract

"We study the effect of U.S. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training in two states using matched employer–employee data. This allows us to estimate the impact of training on firm characteristics and to assess the value of firm characteristics measured prior to training as conditioning variables. We find moderate positive impacts of training on employment and earnings for adults, but not for dislocated workers. We find limited evidence of positive effects on firm characteristics for adults in one state, but clear evidence of effects on industry of employment for most groups. Firm characteristics add little value as conditioning variables." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System) ((en))

Zitatform

Chang, Yu-Ling & Leslie Hodges (2024): Did Unemployment Insurance Modernization Provisions Increase Benefit Receipt among Economically Disadvantaged Workers? In: Social Service Review, Jg. 98, H. 1, S. 139-177. DOI:10.1086/728680

Abstract

"This study investigates the effects of state expansions of unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility criteria on UI recipiency among unemployed workers. Using a difference-in-differences approach and data from the Current Population Survey (2003-2020), we find evidence largely consistent with the expected overall and differential effects of the expansions. An alternative base period (ABP) increases UI take-up by approximately 5 percentage points. Some evidence suggests compelling family reasons provisions increase take-up among caregivers but not those without caring responsibilities. Part-time provisions increase take-up among previously part-time workers, with no effect on previously full-time workers. The estimated magnitudes are around 6 percentage points. In addition, we observe some evidence of differential impacts by gender. Our findings contribute insights into UI policy conversations, including federal mandates for ABP and part-time provisions in eligibility determinations." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gaillard, Alexandre & Sumudu Kankanamge (2024): From Unemployment to Self-Employment: An Evaluation of Self-Employment Assistance Programs. In: Journal of labor economics. DOI:10.1086/732765

Abstract

"This paper evaluates Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) programs, which are Government initiatives extending the unemployment insurance (UI) system to support unemployment to self-employment transitions. Using a general equilibrium model of the US labor market,we show that these programs have important labor market mobility effects and increase theself-employment rate. They also significantly impact the composition and performance out-comes of self-employment: while lump-sum subsidies select low-skilled individuals, SEAprograms contingent on previously employed earnings select skilled and wealthier individuals. At the aggregate level, the latter programs mainly reallocate individuals from employ-ment to self-employment, leaving the unemployment rate largely unaffected." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gökten, Meryem, Philipp Heimberger & Andreas Lichtenberger (2024): How Far from Full Employment? The European Unemployment Problem Revisited. (WIIW working paper 245), Wien, 44 S.

Abstract

"This paper analyses deviations from full employment in EU countries, compared with the US and the UK. We apply the Beveridge (full-employment-consistent) rate of unemployment (BECRU), derived from the unemployment-vacancies relationship. The BECRU is the level of unemployment that minimizes the non-productive use of labor. Based on a novel dataset for the period 1970-2022, we find full employment episodes in selected EU countries (Germany, Sweden, Austria, Finland) during the 1970s. The European unemployment problem emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, as Beveridgean full employment gaps increased. In the run-up to the global financial crisis, full employment gaps declined, then increased during the Great Recession. Slack in labor markets increased initially during the pandemic. Labour markets became tighter when recovering from the COVID-19 crisis, but few countries hit full employment. Panel regressions highlight that hysteresis, labor market institutions, structural factors, macroeconomic factors and political factors contribute to explaining full employment gaps." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Heiler, Simon J. (2024): Worker Heterogeneity and Optimal Unemployment Insurance: The Surprising Power of the Floor. (CRC TR 224 discussion paper series / EPoS Collaborative Research Center Transregio 224 545), Bonn, 46 S.

Abstract

"Incentives to search for employment vary systematically with age and idiosyncratic labor productivity. These variations should be accounted for when designing UI policy, yet conditioning on related factors can be difficult or infeasible in practice. Using a life cycle model with endogenous human capital accumulation, idiosyncratic labor risk, and permanent differences in worker productivity, I analyze optimal UI policies. I find that for the U.S. an age-and-type-dependent policy generates welfare gains equal to 0.3 percentage points of consumption in all states and periods relative to a constant a replacement rate. Moreover, I demonstrate that about 80% of the gains from conditioning replacement rates on age only and about 60% of the welfare gains from conditioning on age and productivity can be generated by the current U.S. UI system. This can be achieved by substantially raising the benefit floor, a feature of the U.S. UI system that is largely ineffective in its current implementation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Barham, Tania, Brian C. Cadena & Patrick S. Turner (2023): Taking a Chance on Workers. Evidence on the Effects and Mechanisms of Subsidized Employment from an RCT. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16221), Bonn, 114 S.

Abstract

"This paper estimates experimental impacts of a supported work program on employment, earnings, benefit receipt, and other outcomes. Case managers addressed employment barriers and provided targeted financial assistance while participants were eligible for 30 weeks of subsidized employment. Program access increased employment rates by 21 percent and earnings by 30 percent while participants were receiving services. Though gains attenuated after services stopped, treatment group members experienced lasting improvements in employment stability, job quality, and well-being, and we estimate the program's marginal value of public funds to be 0.64. Post-program impacts are entirely concentrated among participants whose subsidized job was followed by unsubsidized employment with their host-site employer. This decomposition result suggests that encouraging employer learning about potential match quality is the key mechanism underlying the program's impact, and additional descriptive evidence supports this interpretation. Machine learning methods reveal little treatment effect heterogeneity in a broad sample of job seekers using a rich set of baseline characteristics from a detailed application survey. We conclude that subsidized employment programs with a focus on creating permanent job matches can be beneficial to a wide variety of unemployed workers in the low-wage labor market." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Cotofan, Maria & Konstantinos Matakos (2023): Adapting or compounding? The effects of recurring labour shocks on stated and revealed preferences for redistribution. (CEP discussion paper / Centre for Economic Performance 1957), London, 34 S.

Abstract

"The evidence on the impact of employment shocks on preferences for redistribution is mixed on stated outcomes and sparse on revealed ones. We conduct a survey of US workers to measure the impact of repeated labour market shocks on both stated and revealed redistributive preferences. We measure the former by support on seven different policies and the latter through donations. We look at experiences of both mild shocks (having to reduce working hours) and hard shocks (unemployment), as well as past unemployment during formative years. We find evidence of adaptation to unemployment on policy preferences and compounding for milder shocks on donations, suggesting that the effects of repeated shocks on preferences for redistribution are not independent. Our results show that unemployment impacts preferences in a self-interested way, while milder shocks lead to broader support for redistribution." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Créchet, Jonathan (2023): Heterogeneity in labor mobility and unemployment flows across countries. In: European Economic Review, Jg. 155. DOI:10.1016/j.euroecorev.2023.104441

Abstract

"Empirical studies of labor-market flows suggest cross-country differences in long-run aggregate unemployment inflows and outflows of a strikingly large magnitude. The canonical search-and-matching framework of Mortensen and Pissarides (1994, 1999b; the MP model) features small elasticities of steady-state unemployment flows with respect to firing costs, at odds with the idea that labor-market institutions such as employment protection policies are a primary driver of this variation. This paper shows that introducing permanent match-quality heterogeneity in the standard MP model substantially amplifies these elasticities. It then develops a quantitative search model with worker and job heterogeneity consistent with U.S. worker-flow data. This model implies that employment protection differences plausibly account for most of the long-run unemployment-flow variation across high-income countries. In sharp contrast, shutting down heterogeneity implies that large changes in matching efficiency are required to explain the same cross-country variation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2023 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Garcia-Cabo, Joaquin, Anna Lipinska & Gaston Navarro (2023): Sectoral shocks, reallocation, and labor market policies. In: European Economic Review, Jg. 156. DOI:10.1016/j.euroecorev.2023.104494

Abstract

"Unemployment insurance and wage subsidies are key tools to support labor markets in recessions. We develop a multisector search-and-matching model with on-the-job human capital accumulation to study labor market policy responses to sector-specific shocks. Our calibration accounts for structural differences in labor markets between the United States and the euro area, including a lower job-finding rate in the latter. We use the model to evaluate unemployment insurance and wage subsidy policies in recessions of different duration. After a temporary sector-specific shock, unemployment insurance improves reallocation toward productive sectors at the cost of initially higher unemployment and, thus, human capital destruction. By contrast, wage subsidies reduce unemployment and preserve human capital at the cost of limiting reallocation. In the United States, unemployment insurance is preferred to wage subsidies when it does not distort job creation for too long. In the euro area, wage subsidies are preferred, given the lower job-finding rate and reallocation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2023 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Guo, Angela, Pawel Krolikowski & Meifeng Yang (2023): Displaced workers and the pandemic recession. In: Economics Letters, Jg. 226. DOI:10.1016/j.econlet.2023.111071

Abstract

"Workers displaced during the pandemic recession experienced better earnings and employment outcomes than workers displaced during previous recessions. A sharp recovery in aggregate labor market conditions after the pandemic recession accounts for these better outcomes. The industry and occupation composition of displaced workers, the prevalence of recalls, and increased take-up of unemployment insurance benefits are unlikely explanations." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2023 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Holzer, Harry J. (2023): Can Workforce Development Help Us Reach Full Employment? (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16624), Bonn, 24 S.

Abstract

"In this paper, I review the potential of workforce development programs to help the US get closer to "full employment." First, I provide some background on workforce development in the US, and also on the aggregate employment/labor force issues that workforce programs may or may not address. Then I review the empirical evidence on job training and other forms of workforce development, in terms of impacts on employment (as opposed to earnings). I briefly consider how the US experience in this regard compares and contrasts with that of other countries in the EU or OECD, and what we might learn from them. I conclude that more and better workforce development could help somewhat to achieve lower unemployment and higher labor force participation in the US, though we also need a range of other policies to achieve these goals." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hornstein, Andreas, Marios Karabarbounis & André Kurmann (2023): Disincentive Effects of Unemployment Insurance Benefits. (Working paper series / Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond 2023-11), Richmond, VA, 65 S. DOI:10.21144/wp23-11

Abstract

"Unemployment insurance (UI) acts both as a disincentive for labor supply and as a demand stimulus which may explain why empirical studies often find limited effects of UI on employment. This paper provides independent estimates of the disincentive effects arising from the largest expansion of UI in U.S. history, the pandemic unemployment benefits. Using high-frequency data on small restaurants and retailers from Homebase, we control for local demand effects by comparing neighboring businesses that largely share the positive impact of UI stimulus. We find that employment in low-wage businesses recovered more slowly than employment in high-wage businesses in labor markets with larger differences in the relative generosity of pandemic UI benefits. According to a labor search model that replicates the estimated employment differences between low- and high-wage businesses, the disincentive effects from the pandemic UI programs held back the aggregate employment recovery by 4.7 percentage points between April and December 2020." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kim, Jaeyoung, Katherine Inge, Beth Keeton, Tim Riesen, Yazmin Castruita-Rios & Timothy N. Tansey (2023): Use of Customized Employment in State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs: A Retrospective Study 2017–2020. In: Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, Jg. 66, H. 3, S. 186-194. DOI:10.1177/00343552221140335

Abstract

"The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of customized employment via an analysis using the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration Case Service Report (RSA-911) from Federal Fiscal Years of 2017 through 2020. The independent variables were demographics, barriers to employment, and types of state vocational rehabilitation agency (SVRA) services, and the dependent variables were competitive integrated employment status and weekly earnings at exit. Descriptive analyses, multiple logistic regression, and hierarchical multiple regression comprised data analysis. The study sample (N = 2,280) was 57.9% male and 42.1% female and had a mean age of 32.69 years (SD = 12.83). Seventy-seven percent identified themselves as White and 46.7% had a cognitive disability. The results of this study indicated that consumers who have cognitive disability and cultural barriers; are migrant farmworkers and/or dependents; and receive job placement assistance, short-term job supports, maintenance services, benefits counseling, and supported employment are more likely to get competitive integrated employment at exit (R2 = .34). Multiple variables were found to be significantly related to weekly earnings at exit and explained 24% of the variance. Rehabilitation counselors should take into consideration the findings of this study to determine from which supports consumers may benefit to attain successful employment goals, particularly for customized employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Autor, David, David Cho, Leland D. Crane, Mita Goldar, Byron Lutz, Joshua K. Montes, William B. Peterman, David D. Ratner, Daniel Villar Vallenas & Ahu Yildirmaz (2022): The $800 Billion Paycheck Protection Program: Where Did the Money Go and Why Did it Go There? (NBER working paper 29669), Cambridge, Mass, 46 S. DOI:10.3386/w29669

Abstract

"The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provided small businesses with roughly $800 billion dollars in uncollateralized, low-interest loans during the pandemic, almost all of which will be forgiven. With 93 percent of small businesses ultimately receiving one or more loans, the PPP nearly saturated its market in just two months. We estimate that the program cumulatively preserved between 2 and 3 million job-years of employment over 14 months at a cost of $170K to $257K per job-year retained. These estimates imply that only 23 to 34 percent of PPP dollars went directly to workers who would otherwise have lost jobs; the balance flowed to business owners and shareholders, including creditors and suppliers of PPP-receiving firms. Program incidence was highly regressive, with about three-quarters of PPP funds accruing to the top quintile of households. This compares unfavorably to the other two major pandemic aid programs, enhanced UI benefits and Economic Impact Payments (i.e. stimulus checks). PPP's breakneck scale-up, its high cost per job saved, and its regressive incidence have a common origin: PPP was essentially untargeted because the United States lacked the administrative infrastructure to do otherwise. The more targeted pandemic business aid programs deployed by other high-income countries exemplify what is feasible with better administrative systems. Building similar capacity in the U.S. would enable greatly improved targeting of either employment subsidies or business liquidity when the next pandemic or other large-scale economic emergency occurs, as it surely will." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Binder, Barbara & Andreas Haupt (2022): The fundamental role of tax systems in the relationship between workfare and inequality in the lower half of the income distribution. In: Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, Jg. 80. DOI:10.1016/j.rssm.2022.100712

Abstract

"In recent decades, many affluent democracies moved from traditional welfare states to workfare systems. Meanwhile, income inequality developed differently across countries, even when they made apparently similar shifts from welfare to workfare. It is a matter of debate why welfare state change had such heterogeneous consequences across countries. This article proposes that different incentives to take up low-wage work set by tax reforms in the wake of welfare-to-workfare transitions alter consequences on inequality in the lower half of the income distribution. To support this argument, we contrast the trends between the U.S. and Germany. The German and U.S. tax systems were used in very different ways to incentivize low-wage work. The U.S. provided strong incentives to take up low-wage, high-hour work through refundable tax credits. They act as in-work subsidies and represent an enormous public income support program. In contrast, in Germany, payroll taxes were reduced for marginal employment. These jobs were intended to serve as a stepping stone to full employment. Germany aimed to reduce barriers to labor market entry, but did not increase subsidies for those working higher hours in low-wage jobs. We hypothesize that the German path led to increased income inequality within the lower half of the income distribution, whereas the large U.S. tax-based subsidies in the U.S. significantly counteracted it. Decompositions of unconditional quantile regressions based on the SOEP and the CPS-ASEC for 1992 and 2014 strongly support these assumptions. Households with no labor market integration lost ground with the workfare reforms in both countries, increasing inequality in the lower half. However, U.S. households that conformed to the new workfare system by taking low-wage jobs received additional after-tax income through tax cuts and credits. This additional income of the beneficiary households increased the percentile values between the 10th and 30th percentiles by about 6 per cent, thus reducing income inequality in the lower half. Germany, on the contrary, lacked such compensatory subsidies for compliant households. Thus, increased take-up of low-wage work was associated with an increase in income inequality in the lower half. We conclude that tax systems are important in understanding why the shift towards workfare was associated with heterogeneous trends in income inequality across countries." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2022 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Ferragina, Emanuele & Federico Danilo Filetti (2022): Labour market protection across space and time: A revised typology and a taxonomy of countries' trajectories of change. In: Journal of European Social Policy, Jg. 32, H. 2, S. 148-165. DOI:10.1177/09589287211056222

Abstract

"We measure and interpret the evolution of labour market protection across 21 high-income countries over three decades, employing as conceptual foundations the ‘regime varieties’ and ‘trajectories of change’ developed by Esping-Andersen, Estevez-Abe, Hall and Soskice, and Thelen. We measure labour market protection considering four institutional dimensions – employment protection, unemployment protection, income maintenance and activation – and the evolution of the workforce composition. This measurement accounts for the joint evolution of labour market institutions, their complementarities and their relation to outcomes, and mitigate the unrealistic Average Production Worker assumption. We handle the multi-dimensional nature of labour market protection with Principal Component Analysis and capture the characteristics of countries’ trajectories of change with a composite score. We contribute to the literature in three ways. (1) We portray a revised typology that accounts for processes of change between 1990 and 2015, and that clusters regime varieties on the basis of coordination and solidarity levels, that is, Central/Northern European, Southern European, liberal. (2) We illustrate that, despite a persistent gap, a large majority of Coordinated Market Economies experiencing a decline in the level of labour market protection became more similar to Liberal Market Economies. (3) We develop a fivefold taxonomy of countries’ trajectories of change (liberalization, dualization, flexibility, de-dualization and higher protection), showing that these trajectories are not always path-dependent and consistent with regime varieties previously developed in the literature." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Spiritus, Kevin, Étienne Lehmann, Sander Renes & Floris Zoutman (2022): Optimal Taxation with Multiple Incomes and Types. (CESifo working paper 9534), München, 53 S.

Abstract

"We analyze the optimal nonlinear income tax schedule when taxpayers earn multiple incomes and differ along many unobserved dimensions. We derive the necessary conditions for the government’s optimum using both a tax perturbation and a mechanism design approach, and show that both methods produce the same results. Our main contribution is to propose a numerical method to find the optimal tax schedule. Applied to the optimal taxation of couples, we find that optimal isotax curves are very close to linear and parallel. The slope of isotax curves is strongly affected by the relative tax-elasticity of male and female income. We make several additional contributions, including a test for Pareto efficiency and a condition on primitives that ensures the government’s necessary conditions are sufficient and the solution to the problem is unique." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bown, Chad P. & Caroline Freund (2019): Active labor market policies. Lessons from other countries for the United States. (Working paper / Peterson Institute for International Economics 2019-02), Washington, DC, 12 S.

Abstract

"US labor force participation has been weak in recent decades, especially during the recovery of the financial crisis of 2007 - 09. This paper examines several programs that governments in other advanced industrial countries have established to help jobless workers continue to seek employment, not drop out of the labor force, and ultimately find jobs. These programs more actively support out-of-work citizens by facilitating matches between workers and firms, helping workers in their job searches, and sometimes creating jobs when none are available in the private sector. The evidence presented in this paper concludes that job placement services, training, wage subsidies, and other labor adjustment policies can be used to successfully help workers find employment and remain tied to the labor market. By contrast, direct job creation through public works projects and other government programs are less effective in helping workers over the long run." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Gómez, Marcos & Francisco Parro (2019): Unintended displacement effects of youth training programs in a directed search model. In: Journal of labor research, Jg. 40, H. 2, S. 230-247. DOI:10.1007/s12122-019-09284-1

Zitatform

Schwandt, Hannes & Till von Wachter (2019): Unlucky cohorts: Estimating the long-term effects of entering the labor market in a recession in large cross-sectional data sets. In: Journal of labor economics, Jg. 37, H. S1, S. S161-S198. DOI:10.1086/701046

Abstract

"This paper studies the differential persistent effects of initial economic conditions for labor market entrants in the United States from 1976 to 2015 by education, gender, and race using labor force survey data. We find persistent earnings and wage reductions, especially for less advantaged entrants, that increases in government support only partly offset. We confirm that the results are unaffected by selective migration and labor market entry by also using a double-weighted average unemployment rate at labor market entry for each birth cohort and state-of-birth cell based on average state migration rates and average cohort education rates from census data." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Card, David, Jochen Kluve & Andrea Weber (2018): What works? A meta analysis of recent active labor market program evaluations. In: Journal of the European Economic Association, Jg. 16, H. 3, S. 894-931. DOI:10.1093/jeea/jvx028

Abstract

"We summarize the estimates from over 200 recent studies of active labor market programs. We classify the estimates by type of program and participant group, and distinguish between three different post-program time horizons. Using regression models for the estimated program effect (for studies that model the probability of employment) and for the sign and significance of the estimated effect (for all the studies in our sample) we conclude that: (1) average impacts are close to zero in the short run, but become more positive 2 - 3 years after completion of the program; (2) the time profile of impacts varies by type of program, with larger average gains for programs that emphasize human capital accumulation; (3) there is systematic heterogeneity across participant groups, with larger impacts for females and participants who enter from long term unemployment; (4) active labor market programs are more likely to show positive impacts in a recession." (Author's abstract, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

Zitatform

Carriero, Andrea, Todd E. Clark & Massimiliano Marcellino (2018): Measuring uncertainty and its impact on the economy. In: The Review of Economics and Statistics, Jg. 100, H. 5, S. 799-815. DOI:10.1162/rest_a_00693

Abstract

"We propose a new model for measuring uncertainty and its effects on the economy, based on a large vector autoregression with stochastic volatility driven by common factors representing macroeconomic and financial uncertainty. The uncertainty measures reflect changes in both the conditional mean and volatility of the variables, and their impact on the economy can be assessed within the same framework. Estimates with U.S. data show substantial commonality in uncertainty, with sizable effects of uncertainty on key macroeconomic and financial variables. However, historical decompositions show a limited role of uncertainty shocks in macroeconomic fluctuations." (Author's abstract, © MIT Press Journals) ((en))

Zitatform

Michaelides, Marios & Peter Mueser (2018): Are reemployment services effective? Experimental evidence from the Great Recession. In: Journal of policy analysis and management, Jg. 37, H. 3, S. 546-570. DOI:10.1002/pam.22063

Zitatform

Murtin, Fabrice & Jean-Marc Robin (2018): Labor market reforms and unemployment dynamics. In: Labour economics, Jg. 50, H. March, S. 3-19. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2016.05.025

Abstract

"We quantify the contribution of labor market reforms to unemployment dynamics in nine OECD countries (Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK, US). We estimate a dynamic stochastic search-matching model with heterogeneous workers and aggregate productivity shocks. The heterogeneous-worker mechanism proposed by Robin (2011) explains unemployment volatility by productivity shocks well in all countries. Placement and employment services, UI benefit reduction and product market deregulation are found to be the most prominent policy levers for unemployment reduction. Business cycle shocks and LMPs explain about the same share of unemployment volatility (except for Japan, Portugal and the US)." (Author's abstract, © 2016 Elsevier) ((en))

Zitatform

Barnow, Burt S. & Jeffrey Smith (2015): Employment and training programs. (NBER working paper 21659), Cambrige, Mass., 154 S. DOI:10.3386/w21659

Abstract

"This chapter considers means-tested employment and training programs in the United States. We focus in particular on large, means-tested federal programs, including the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), its successor the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), that program's recent replacement, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the long-running Job Corps program, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The first part of the chapter provides details on program history, organization, expenditures, eligibility rules, services, and participant characteristics. In the second part of the chapter, we discuss the applied econometric methods typically used to evaluate these programs, which in the United States means primarily social experiments and methods such as matching that rely on an assumption of 'selection on observed variables.' The third part of the chapter reviews the literature evaluating these programs, highlighting both methodological and substantive lessons learned as well as open questions. The fourth part of the chapter considers what lessons the evaluation literature provides on program operation, especially how to best allocate particular services to particular participants. The final section concludes with the big picture lessons from this literature and discussion of promising directions for future research." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kuo, Chun-Hung & Hiroaki Miyamoto (2015): Fiscal stimuli in the form of job creation subsidies. In: Journal of macroeconomics, Jg. 43, H. March, S. 267-284. DOI:10.1016/j.jmacro.2014.12.004

Abstract

"This paper examines the effects of fiscal stimuli in the form of job creation subsidies in a DSGE model with search friction and endogenous job separation. We consider two types of job creation subsidies: a subsidy for the cost of posting vacancies and a hiring subsidy. This paper finds that the effects of job creation subsides on unemployment differ between models with and without endogenous job separation. While a positive job creation subsidy shock lowers unemployment in a model without endogenous job separation, it increases unemployment in a model with endogenous job separation. We also find that while qualitatively the effects of a vacancy cost subsidy on the economy are similar to those of a hiring subsidy, quantitatively they are different." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Barnow, Burt S. & David Greenberg (2013): Replication issues in social experiments: lessons from US labor market programs. In: Journal for labour market research, Jg. 46, H. 3, S. 239-252. DOI:10.1007/s12651-013-0133-2

Abstract

"Bei der Bewertung eines Pilot- oder Testprogramms besteht die Gefahr, aus einem einzelnen Test Rückschlüsse zu ziehen. In dieser Arbeit werden die Erfahrungen mit Wiederholungen von Testprogrammstudien anhand einer randomisierten, kontrollierten Studie für die erstmalige Auswertung und die Wiederholungen besprochen. Auch wenn Wiederholungsstudien vielversprechender Programme primär zur Erhöhung des Stichprobenumfangs durchgeführt werden, dienen sie auch zum Sammeln von Erfahrungswerten dahingehend, ob die Intervention auch bei anderen Zielgruppen und an anderen geografischen Standorten erfolgreich ist, und um einige der Interventionsmerkmale zu variieren. In vielen Fällen sind Wiederholungsstudien nicht so erfolgreich wie die ursprüngliche Erhebung. In dieser Arbeit werden die für ein solches Fehlschlagen vorgebrachten Begründungen besprochen. Außerdem werden die Erfahrungen aus den Wiederholungsstudien unter Anwendung einer randomisierten Zuweisung in sechs Fällen dargelegt: Experimente zur Einkommenssicherung, Experimente zu Bonuszahlungen bei der Arbeitslosenversicherung, Programm des Center for Employment Training, Job-Clubs, Experimente zur Stellensuche und 'Quantum Opportunity'-Programm (Programm für höhere Chancen). Zum Abschluss der Arbeit werden die Erkenntnisse aus der Besprechung zusammengefasst sowie Bereiche aufgezeigt, in denen weitere Forschung notwendig ist." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Frumento, Paolo, Fabrizia Mealli, Barbara Pacini & Donald B. Rubin (2012): Evaluating the effect of training on wages in the presence of noncompliance, nonemployment, and missing outcome data. In: Journal of the American Statistical Association, Jg. 107, H. 498, S. 450-466. DOI:10.1080/01621459.2011.643719

Abstract

"The effects of a job training program, Job Corps, on both employment and wages are evaluated using data from a randomized study. Principal stratification is used to address, simultaneously, the complications of noncompliance, wages that are only partially defined because of nonemployment, and unintendedmissing outcomes. The first two complications are of substantive interest, whereas the third is a nuisance. The objective is to find a parsimonious model that can be used to inform public policy. We conduct a likelihood-based analysis using finite mixture models estimated by the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. We maintain an exclusion restriction assumption for the effect of assignment on employment and wages for noncompliers, but not on missingness. We provide estimates under the 'missing at random' assumption, and assess the robustness of our results to deviations from it. The plausibility of meaningful restrictions is investigated by means of scaled log-likelihood ratio statistics. Substantive conclusions include the following. For compliers, the effect on employment is negative in the short term; it becomes positive in the long term, but these effects are small at best. For always employed compliers, that is, compliers who are employed whether trained or not trained, positive effects on wages are found at all time periods. Our analysis reveals that background characteristics of individuals differ markedly across the principal strata. We found evidence that the program should have been better targeted, in the sense of being designed differently for different groups of people, and specific suggestions are offered. Previous analyses of this dataset, which did not address all complications in a principled manner, led to less nuanced conclusions about Job Corps." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Michaelides, Marios & Jacob Benus (2012): Are self-employment training programs effective? Evidence from Project GATE. In: Labour economics, Jg. 19, H. 5, S. 695-705. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2012.04.004

Abstract

"We examine the efficacy of providing self-employment training to unemployed and other individuals interested in self-employment using data from Project GATE. This experimental design program offered self-employment training services to a random sample of individuals who expressed a strong interest in self-employment. We find that Project GATE was effective in helping unemployed participants to start their own business, leading to significant impacts in self-employment and overall employment soon after program entry. The program also helped unemployed participants remain self-employed and avoid unemployment even five years after program entry.However, the program was not effective in improving the labor market outcomes of participants who were not unemployed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Cray, Adam, Tram Nguyen, Carol Pranka, Christine Schildt, Julie Scheu & Erika Rincon Whitcomb (2011): Job creation. A review of policies and strategies. (IRLE working paper 2011-105), Berkeley, CA, 57 S.

Abstract

"This report provides a broad survey of economic development policies and strategies that seek to create jobs. With the U.S. economy struggling to recover from the Great Recession, job losses and stagnant employment remain pressing challenges across the country and in nearly every community.
Our report is structured according to four major categories through which to view job creation strategies:
Federal- and State-Level Strategies. This category can be thought of as encompassing strategies used to 'grow the economic pie.' They consist of fiscal and investment policies undertaken at the federal or state level to stimulate job creation and economic growth. The primary ways to influence job creation at these levels are: interest rate reductions, government hiring and purchases, infrastructure investments, short-time compensation programs, worker subsidies, and federal hiring credits.
Place-Based Strategies. Much economic development takes place at the local level, with local governments undertaking a range of activities to attract and retain businesses for the purposes of increasing jobs in their locality and increasing the tax base. Local strategies include: provision of local economic data, marketing, tax incentives, industrial protection zones, enterprise zones, and redevelopment areas to target tax benefits and subsidies to businesses in disadvantaged areas.
Business- and Sector-Based Strategies. Which types of firms to target for job creation is an unsettled question. Here, we examine sources of net new job creation through small businesses and high-growth sectors. Specifically, we review subsidized and low-cost loan programs, programs administered by the Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture, government procurement mandates, business incubators, and green job strategies.
Worker-Based Strategies. Finally, we discuss strategies focused on increasing equity and job quality - through local hire, wage increases, and high road policies - as a critical piece of long-term economic health.
We used three general research methods in preparing and structuring this report: literature review; information gathering from a lecture series and separate interviews with economic development scholars and practitioners; and peer review comments from staff at the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California, Berkeley." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Konle-Seidl, Regina (2011): Use of profiling for resource allocation, action planning and matching. (Profiling systems for effective labour market integration), Brüssel, 21 S.

Abstract

"Profiling is in many European countries part of a customized 'expert system'. These service delivery systems are characterized by 1) profiling as a quantitative (statistical forecasts) or qualitative (structured interviews, capability tests) diagnostic tool to identify clients' risks 2) customer differentiation for giving different customers different access to employment services according to their needs with the aim to target resources. The idea behind customized or personalized services is that individuals differ in their employability and that such employability declines as the duration of non-employment increases. However, in all European Public Employment Services (PES), it's the caseworker who makes the final decision on the services to be provided. This stands in contrast to the US profiling system where 'hard' (statistical) profiling is compulsory for caseworkers and where the results of statistical profiling are the only factor that determines whether a client has to be transferred to further re-employment support.
A review of experiences with profiling in seven countries (Australia, Germany, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Sweden and the US) show no clear trend, but rather diverging developments in relation to the intensity of using profiling and early intervention strategies. The degree of customer differentiation, as well as the degree of coordination between customer segments and integration measures is very dissimilar across countries. Only few PES (e.g. the German BA and the French Pole d'Emploi) follow a coherent and integrated strategy based on profiling, client segmentation and targeted resource allocation.
Compared to the situation in the mid-2000s, dynamic profiling, i.e. the regular follow-up of the labour market prospects of clients is nowadays mainstream in most countries. Beyond the aim of predicting client needs, there are additional goals linked to profiling and streaming employment services. In countries like Denmark or Germany where UI and non-insured welfare clients are administered now by a single organisation, the aim of providing a common framework for different customer groups has a high priority.
Although there is widespread agreement among researchers and policy makers that prevention and early intervention is the best way of reducing the negative psychological, social and labour market effects of unemployment, only few impact studies have tried to quantify the possible efficiency gains of profiling and early intervention so far. Moreover, there is a general evidence gap in all countries with respect to the impact of different service delivery systems on on/off-flow rates from unemployment or benefit receipt.
Based on the country review, a number of lessons for implementation, i.e. implications for caseworkers and PES managers to further develop profiling and targeting systems can be highlighted. How to balance intensive support with a self-help strategy is a crucial challenge for the years to come. The need for differentiation depends very much on the diversity of client groups the PES is in charge of. However, against the background of stretched budgets, the proof of the cost-effectiveness of labour market programmes and early intervention strategies will be a critical factor." (author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Rothstein, Jesse (2011): Unemployment insurance and job search in the Great Recession. (NBER working paper 17534), Cambridge, Mass., 58 S. DOI:10.3386/w17534

Abstract

"Nearly two years after the official end of the 'Great Recession,' the labor market remains historically weak. One candidate explanation is supply-side effects driven by dramatic expansions of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefit durations, to as many as 99 weeks. This paper investigates the effect of these UI extensions on job search and reemployment. I use the longitudinal structure of the Current Population Survey to construct unemployment exit hazards that vary across states, over time, and between individuals with differing unemployment durations. I then use these hazards to explore a variety of comparisons intended to distinguish the effects of UI extensions from other determinants of employment outcomes.
The various specifications yield quite similar results. UI extensions had significant but small negative effects on the probability that the eligible unemployed would exit unemployment, concentrated among the long-term unemployed. The estimates imply that UI benefit extensions raised the unemployment rate in early 2011 by only about 0.1-0.5 percentage points, much less than is implied by previous analyses, with at least half of this effect attributable to reduced labor force exit among the unemployed rather than to the changes in reemployment rates that are of greater policy concern." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bloom, Dan (2010): Transitional jobs. Background, program models, and evaluation evidence. New York, NY, 59 S.

Abstract

"The budget for the U.S. Department of Labor for Fiscal Year 2010 includes a total of $45 million to support and study transitional jobs. This paper describes the origins of the transitional jobs models that are operating today, reviews the evidence on the effectiveness of this approach and other subsidized employment models, and offers some suggestions regarding the next steps for program design and research. The paper was produced for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by MDRC as part of the Enhanced Services for the Hard-to-Employ project, which includes two random assignment evaluations of transitional jobs programs.
Transitional jobs programs provide temporary, wage-paying jobs, support services, and job placement help to individuals who have difficulty getting and holding jobs in the regular labor market. Although recent evaluation results have raised doubts about whether TJ programs, as currently designed, are an effective way to improve participants' long-term employment prospects, the studies have also confirmed that TJ programs can be operated at scale, can create useful work opportunities for very disadvantaged people, and can lead to critical indirect impacts such as reducing recidivism among former prisoners. Thus, in drawing lessons from the recent results, the paper argues that it may be important to think more broadly about the goals of TJ programs while simultaneously testing new strategies that may produce better long-term employment outcomes." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Card, David, Jochen Kluve & Andrea Weber (2010): Active labor market policy evaluations. A meta-analysis. (NBER working paper 16173), Cambridge, Mass., 48 S. DOI:10.3386/w16173

Abstract

"This paper presents a meta-analysis of recent microeconometric evaluations of active labor market policies. Our sample contains 199 separate 'program estimates' - estimates of the impact of a particular program on a specific subgroup of participants - drawn from 97 studies conducted between 1995 and 2007. For about one-half of the sample we have both a short-term program estimate (for a one-year post-program horizon) and a medium- or long-term estimate (for 2 or 3 year horizons). We categorize the estimated post-program impacts as significantly positive, insignificant, or significantly negative. By this criterion we find that job search assistance programs are more likely to yield positive impacts, whereas public sector employment programs are less likely. Classroom and on-the-job training programs yield relatively positive impacts in the medium term, although in the short-term these programs often have insignificant or negative impacts. We also find that the outcome variable used to measure program impact matters. In particular, studies based on registered unemployment are more likely to yield positive program impacts than those based on other outcomes (like employment or earnings). On the other hand, neither the publication status of a study nor the use of a randomized design is related to the sign or significance of the corresponding program estimate. Finally, we use a subset of studies that focus on post-program employment to compare meta-analytic models for the 'effect size' of a program estimate with models for the sign and significance of the estimated program effect. We find that the two approaches lead to very similar conclusions about the determinants of program impact." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kahn, Lawrence M. (2010): Labor market policy. A comparative view on the costs and benefits of labor market flexibility. (IZA discussion paper 5100), Bonn, 36 S.

Abstract

"I review theories and evidence on wage-setting institutions and labor market policies in an international comparative context. These include collective bargaining, minimum wages, employment protection laws, unemployment insurance (UI), mandated parental leave, and active labor market policies (ALMPs). Since it is unlikely that an unregulated private sector would provide the income insurance these institutions do, these policies may enhance economic efficiency. However, to the extent that unemployment or resource misallocation results from such measures, these efficiency gains may be offset. Overall, Scandinavia and Central Europe follow distinctively more interventionist policies than the English speaking countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Possible explanations for such differences include vulnerability to external market forces and ethnic homogeneity. I then review evidence on the impacts of these policies and institutions. While the interventionist model appears to cause lower levels of wage inequality and high levels of job security to incumbent workers, it also in some cases leads to the relegation of new entrants (disproportionately women, youth and immigrants) as well as the less skilled to temporary jobs or unemployment. Making labor markets more flexible could bring these groups into the regular labor market to a greater extent, at the expense of higher levels of economic insecurity for incumbents and higher levels of wage inequality. The Danish model of loosening employment protections while providing relatively generous UI benefits with strict job search requirements holds out the possibility of reducing barriers for new entrants and the less skilled while maintaining some level of income insurance." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

McInnes, Melayne Morgan, Orgul Demet Ozturk, Suzanne McDermott & Joshua R. Mann (2010): Does supported employment work? In: Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Jg. 29, H. 3, S. 506-525. DOI:10.1002/pam.20507

Abstract

"Providing employment-related services, including supported employment through job coaches, has been a priority in federal policy since the enactment of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act in 1984. We take advantage of a unique panel data set of all clients served by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs between 1999 and 2005 to investigate whether job coaching leads to stable employment in community settings. The data contain information on individual characteristics, such as IQ and the presence of emotional and behavioral problems, that are likely to affect both employment propensity and likelihood of receiving job coaching. Our results show that unobserved individual characteristics and endogeneity strongly bias naive estimates of the effects of job coaching. However, even after correcting for these biases, an economically and statistically significant treatment effect remains" (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

O'Leary, Christopher J. & Randall W. Eberts (2010): Employment and training policy in the United States during the economic crisis. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2010-161), Kalamazoo, MI, 35 S. DOI:10.17848/wp10-161

Abstract

"This paper examines labor market conditions and public employment policies in the United States during what some are calling the Great Recession. We document the dramatic labor market changes that rapidly unfolded when the rate of gross domestic product growth turned negative, from the end of 2007 through early 2009. The paper reviews the resulting stress on labor market support programs and the broad federal response. That response came through modifications to existing programs and the introduction of new mechanisms to help Americans cope with job loss and protracted unemployment. The particular focus is on federally supported public programs for occupational job skills training and temporary income replacement. We also discuss procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of public reemployment efforts, and adjustments to these programs that were adopted during the crisis." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Plesca, Miana (2010): A general equilibrium evaluation of the employment service. In: Journal of Human Capital, Jg. 4, H. 3, S. 274-329.

Abstract

"This paper provides a general equilibrium evaluation of the Employment Service, also known as the Public Labor Exchange (PLX), a national program that facilitates meetings between job seekers and vacancies. The paper departs from the standard partial equilibrium framework of program evaluation by constructing a dynamic general equilibrium matching model with the PLX as a directed search channel and all other search methods as the other channel. In the calibrated model, the general equilibrium impacts of the PLX are different from the standard partial equilibrium ones, mainly because employers post more high-skill vacancies when both search channels operate." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Barnow, Burt S. (2009): Vouchers in U.S. vocational training programs. An overview of what we have learned. In: Zeitschrift für ArbeitsmarktForschung, Jg. 42, H. 1, S. 71-84. DOI:10.1007/s12651-009-0007-9

Abstract

"Eine wichtige Entscheidung, die bei der Durchführung von Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen für benachteiligte Arbeitnehmer getroffen werden muss, betrifft den Umfang, in dem die spezifischen Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen für die Teilnehmer durch das Programm festgelegt werden beziehungsweise die Frage, ob die Teilnehmer Gutscheine erhalten sollen, die ihnen selbst die Wahl der Maßnahme überlassen. Im Laufe der vergangenen 40 Jahre wurde in den USA eine Reihe von Weiterbildungsprogrammen durchgeführt, einige davon unter Verwendung von Gutscheinen oder gutscheinähnlichen Mitteln, mit denen die Teilnehmer ihre Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen selbst bestimmen konnten. In dieser Arbeit werden die US-amerikanischen Erfahrungen auf diesem Feld ausgewertet. Obwohl Gutscheine dem Verbraucher ein Maximum an Wahlmöglichkeiten bieten und die Notwendigkeit staatlicher Aufsicht verringern, führen sie aufgrund unzureichender Informationen und der Abweichung zwischen den staatlichen Zielen und denen des Teilnehmers nicht unbedingt zu optimalen Ergebnissen. Evaluationen von Weiterbildungsprogrammen für sozial benachteiligte und freigesetzte Arbeitnehmer führten zu gemischten Ergebnissen. Viele der Studien ließen erkennen, dass trotz der allgemeinen Beliebtheit von Gutscheinen auf Teilnehmerseite die Wirksamkeit von Gutscheinprogrammen für sozial benachteiligte Teilnehmer oft geringer ist als für Gruppen ohne Gutscheine. Bei den freigesetzten Arbeitnehmern sind die Befunde gemischt. Wenn bei ihnen Gutscheine verwendet werden, können die richtige Beratung und Beurteilung sowie Angaben über die Leistungen des Anbieters ihre Leistung verbessern." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Bartik, Timothy J., Randall Eberts & Ken Kline (2009): Estimating a performance standards adjustment model for workforce programs that provides timely feedback and uses data from only one state. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2009-144), Kalamazoo, 58 S.

Abstract

"The purpose of this paper is to describe a methodology for adjusting performance standards for workforce programs offered by local workforce areas (LWAs). By performance standards adjustment, we mean a model that uses a statistical approach to attempt to better measure the relative performance of different local workforce areas in providing workforce system customers with 'value added' in terms of the system's desired outcomes. Our paper's approach has four distinguishing features. First, the performance standards are based on the common measures proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor, which include short- and longer-term employment outcomes. Second, the model is estimated using data from only one state, which allows each state greater flexibility in adapting the adjustment model to the state's needs and available data. Third, the model is estimated using data on individual customers, which offers some estimation advantages, particularly when data from only one state is available. Fourth, since some of the common measures are not available until long after the program year is completed, we include real-time predictions of the current performance of the LWA and an assessment of whether or not it will meet its performance standards when the common measure data is eventually available. This more timely feedback on performance provides administrators the opportunity to better manage their operations and offer services that best meet the needs of their customers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Card, David, Jochen Kluve & Andrea Weber (2009): Active labor market policy evaluations. A meta-analysis. (IZA discussion paper 4002), Bonn, 51 S.

Abstract

"In dieser Meta-Analyse aktueller mikroökonometrischer Evaluationen aktiver Arbeitsmarktpolitik werden 97 Studien aus dem Zeitraum 1995 bis 2007 ausgewertet. Im Vergleich der Programmtypen haben demnach subventionierte Beschäftigungsprogramme des öffentlichen Sektors den geringsten Effekt. Programme, die Unterstützung bei der Jobsuche bieten, haben kurzzeitig einen relativ positiven Effekt, während Gruppen- und On-the-job-Trainingsprogramme mittelfristig besser abschneiden als kurzfristig. Kontrolliert man für die Ergebnisgröße sowie den Programm- und Teilnehmertyp, haben experimentelle und nicht-experimentelle Studien ähnliche Anteile signifikant negativer und positiver Einflussschätzungen. Dies deutet darauf hin, dass die Forschungsdesigns aktueller nicht-experimenteller Evaluationen nicht zu verzerrten Ergebnissen führen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Heinrich, Carolyn J., Peter R. Mueser, Kenneth R. Troske, Kyung-Seong Jeon & Daver C. Kahvecioglu (2009): New estimates of public employment and training program net impacts. A nonexperimental evaluation of the Workforce Investment Act Program. (IZA discussion paper 4569), Bonn, 59 S.

Abstract

"This paper presents nonexperimental net impact estimates for the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the primary federal job training program in the U.S, based on administrative data from 12 states, covering approximately 160,000 WIA participants and nearly 3 million comparison group members. The key measure of interest is the difference in average quarterly earnings or employment attributable to WIA program participation for those who participate, estimated for up to four years following entry into the program using propensity score matching methods. The results for the average participant in the WIA Adult program show that participating is associated with a severalhundred-dollar increase in quarterly earnings. Adult program participants who obtain training have lower earnings in the months during training and the year after exit than those who don't receive training, but they catch up within 10 quarters, ultimately registering large total gains. The marginal benefits of training exceed, on average, $400 in earnings each quarter three years after program entry. Dislocated Workers experience several quarters for which earnings are depressed relative to comparison group workers after entering WIA, and although their earnings ultimately match or overtake the comparison group, the benefits they obtain are smaller than for those in the Adult program." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Watkins-Hayes, Celeste (2009): The New Welfare Bureaucrats. Entanglements of Race, Class, and Policy Reform. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 315 S.

Abstract

"As the recession worsens, more and more Americans must turn to welfare to make ends meet. Once inside the agency, the newly jobless will face a bureaucracy that has undergone massive change since the advent of welfare reform in 1996. A behind-the-scenes look at bureaucracy’s human face, The New Welfare Bureaucrats is a compelling study of welfare officers and how they navigate the increasingly tangled political and emotional terrain of their jobs. Celeste Watkins-Hayes here reveals how welfare reform engendered a shift in focus for caseworkers from simply providing monetary aid to the much more complex process of helping recipients find work. Now both more intimately involved in their clients’ lives and wielding greater power over their well-being, welfare officers’ racial, class, and professional identities have become increasingly important factors in their work. Based on the author’s extensive fieldwork in two very different communities in the northeast, The New Welfare Bureaucrats is a boon to anyone looking to understand the impact of the institutional and policy changes wrought by welfare reform as well as the subtle social dynamics that shape the way welfare is meted out at the individual Level." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © University of Chicago Press) ((en))

Zitatform

Hipp, Lena & Mildred E. Warner (2008): Market forces for the unemployed? Training vouchers in Germany and the USA. In: Social policy and administration, Jg. 42, H. 1, S. 77-101. DOI:10.1111/j.1467-9515.2007.00589.x

Abstract

"Vouchers are meant to increase competition and consumer choice in public service markets. Using the example of training vouchers for the unemployed in the USA and Germany, we show, however, that deficits, both on the demand and the supply side of the market, create problems with preference alignment and market formation. Information asymmetries undermine choice by the unemployed and reduce government control over the training system. Ironically, restrictions meant to compensate for these information deficits further inhibit competitive market formation. Evaluation data on training vouchers from both countries show that voucher systems do not increase choice, but weaken the partnerships public employment agencies previously had with training providers, and may lead to a shortage of high-quality and specialized training, as well as creaming in the selection of training participants. Theoretical justification for vouchers is based on the notion of choice and consumer sovereignty. Using this framework to analyse the changed relationship between government, private training providers, and jobseekers, we challenge the efficacy of vouchers as a delivery mechanism in complex public service markets such as job training." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hollenbeck, Kevin (2008): Sensitivity testing of net impact estimates of workforce development programs using administrative data. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2008-139), Kalamazoo, 55 S. DOI:10.17848/wp08-139

Abstract

"This paper addresses the question of whether administrative data sources, such as performance monitoring data, can be used for program evaluation purposes. It argues that under certain circumstances, such data can be used. In particular, program performance data that are routinely gathered and monitored by administrators of many workforce development programs meet these circumstances. The paper goes on to demonstrate the point by using administrative data from the state of Washington to examine the net impact on earnings and employment of services provided to adults under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Because of a lack of consensus about appropriate net impact estimators, the strategy of this paper is to examine the sensitivity of the results to various estimation techniques. The paper describes the various estimation techniques, and it summarizes the net impact estimates that are generated for the State of Washington. For the most part, the results are fairly stable across the techniques, which the paper argues adds a degree of confidence in them. The final section of the paper offers guidance to policymakers and program administrators who may not be familiar with the technical details of various analytical approaches about how empirical results that may appear to be complex or unstable can be used for program improvement." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hsiao, Cheng, Yan Shen, Boqing Wang & Greg Weeks (2008): Evaluating the effectiveness of Washington state repeated job search services on the employment rate of prime-age female welfare recipients. In: Journal of econometrics, Jg. 145, H. 1/2, S. 98-108. DOI:10.1016/j.jeconom.2008.05.011

Abstract

"This paper uses an unbalanced panel dataset to evaluate how repeated job search services (JSS) and personal characteristics affect the employment rate of the prime-age female welfare recipients in the State of Washington. We propose a transition probability model to take into account issues of sample attrition, sample refreshment and duration dependence. We also generalize Honoré and Kyriazidou's [Honoré, B.E., Kyriazidou, E., 2000. Panel data discrete choice models with lagged dependent variables. Econometrica 68 (4), 839-874] conditional maximum likelihood estimator to allow for the presence of individual-specific effects. A limited information test is suggested to test for selection issues in non-experimental data. The specification tests indicate that the (conditional on the set of the confounding variables considered) assumptions of no selection due to unobservables and/or no unobserved individual-specific effects are not violated. Our findings indicate that the first job search service does have positive and significant impacts on the employment rate. However, providing repeated JSS to the same client has no significant impact. Further, we find that there are significant experience-enhancing effects. These findings suggest that providing one job search services training to individuals may have a lasting impact on raising their employment rates." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Finn, Dan (2007): Contracting out welfare to work in the USA. Delivery lessons. (Department of Work and Pensions. Research report 466), London, 34 S.

Abstract

"There has been no comprehensive evaluation of the impacts of contracting out welfare to work in the USA. This literature review explores survey and case study evidence published by various policy institutes and academics and from the reports of various audit, oversight and regulatory authorities. A number of key lessons can be drawn from this research regarding contracting out welfare to work provision." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Mueser, Peter R., Kenneth R. Troske & Alexey Gorislavsky (2007): Using state administrative data to measure program performance. In: The Review of Economics and Statistics, Jg. 89, H. 4, S. 761-783. DOI:10.1162/rest.89.4.761

Abstract

"We use administrative data from Missouri to examine the sensitivity of earnings impact estimates for a job training program based on alternative nonexperimental methods. We consider regression adjustment, Mahalanobis distance matching, and various methods using propensity-score matching, examining both cross-sectional estimates and difference-in-difference estimates. Specification tests suggest that the difference-in-difference estimator may provide a better measure of program impact. We find that propensity-score matching is most effective, but the detailed implementation is not of critical importance. Our analyses demonstrate that existing data can be used to obtain useful estimates of program impact." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Pavoni, Nicola & G. L. Violante (2007): Optimal welfare-to-work programs. In: The Review of Economic Studies, Jg. 74, H. 1, S. 283-318.

Abstract

"A Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program is a mix of government expenditures on various labour market policies targeted to the unemployed (e.g. unemployment insurance (UI), job search monitoring (JM), social assistance (SA), wage subsidies). This paper provides a dynamic principal-agent framework suitable for analysing chief features of an optimal WTW program, such as the sequence and duration of the different policies, the dynamic pattern of payments along the unemployment spell, and the emergence of taxes/subsidies upon re-employment. The optimal program endogenously generates an absorbing policy of last resort ('social assistance') characterized by a constant lifetime payment and no active participation by the agent. Human capital depreciation is a necessary condition for policy transitions to be part of an optimal WTW program. The typical sequence of policies is quite simple: the program starts with standard UI, then switches into monitored search and, finally, into SA. The optimal benefits are decreasing during unemployment insurance and constant during both JM and SA. Whereas taxes (subsidies) can be either increasing or decreasing with duration during UI, they must decrease (increase) during a phase of JM. In a calibration exercise, we use our model to analyse quantitatively the features of the optimal program for the U.S. economy. With respect to the existing U.S. system, the optimal WTW scheme delivers sizeable welfare gains to unskilled workers because the incentives to search for a job can be retained even while delivering more insurance and using costly monitoring less intensively." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Plesca, Miana & Jeffrey Smith (2007): Evaluating multi-treatment programs. Theory and evidence from the U.S. Job Training Partnership Act experiment. In: Empirical economics, Jg. 32, H. 2/3, S. 491-528. DOI:10.1007/s00181-006-0095-0

Abstract

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Evaluierung von Multiple-Treatment-Programmen. Die theoretische Diskussion erläutert den Kompromiss zwischen der Auswertung des Programms im Ganzen und einer getrennten Evaluierung der verschiedenen individuellen Maßnahmen und Verfahren. Die empirische Analyse unterstreicht, wie wichtig es ist, Multi-Treatment-Programme zu zerlegen und benutzt dabei Daten einer Untersuchung in den USA zum nationalen Arbeitsförderungsgesetz (National Job Training Partnership Act - JTPA). Die Untersuchung umfasst sowohl experimentelle Daten, die als Richtgröße dienen, als auch nicht-exprimentelle Daten. Das JTPA-Experiment unterteilt das Programm in drei Komponenten, die unterschiedlichen Dienstleistungen entsprechen. Im Gegensatz zu vorangegangenen Arbeiten, die das Programm als Ganzes analysierten, werden die Komponenten getrennt analysiert. Ungeachtet der relativ geringen Größe der Stichproben illustrieren die Ergebnisse, wie wertvolle Einsichten in Verlauf und Wirkung des Programms verloren gehen können, wenn die einzelnen Verfahren und Maßnahmen zusammengefasst werden. Darüber hinaus wird gezeigt, dass viele der Erkenntnisse, die sich aus der Analyse des JTPA als Ganzes ergeben, auf die individuellen Komponenten des Programms übertragen werden können. (IAB)

Zitatform

Schöller, Deborah (2007): Service offshoring and the demand for less-skilled labor. Evidence from Germany. (Hohenheimer Diskussionsbeiträge 287/2007), Stuttgart, 38 S.

Abstract

"Besides material offshoring, economists have started to analyze the impact of service offshoring on domestic employment. Services are of particular interest since their significance has grown in terms of both quantity and quality. One decade ago, most services were considered non-tradable, but the emergence of new information and communication technologies has contributed to overcoming geographical distance. The move towards the liberalization of international service trade has further accelerated this process. The empirical part of this paper first calculates German service offshoring intensities on a sectoral basis using input-output data. This measurement represents the proportion of imported service inputs used in home production. Germany's average service offshoring intensity more than doubled from 1991 to 2003. In a next step, the impact of service offshoring on the demand for heterogeneous labor in Germany is estimated at a sectoral level including 28 manufacturing sectors. The partial static equilibrium model is based on a variable unit cost function in the general translog form allowing for quasi-fixed input factors. Two different skill-levels are taken into account. The estimation results indicate that service offshoring reduced the relative demand for less-skilled labor in the German manufacturing sectors by on average -0.06 to -0.16% per year between 1991 and 2000." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Cebulla, Andreas & David Greenberg (2006): The effects of welfare-to-work programs in the United States. Findings of a meta-analysis. In: Sozialer Fortschritt, Jg. 55, H. 6, S. 139-145.

Abstract

"Die Debatte über die Reform des Wohlfahrtsstaates in Deutschland zieht häufig Evaluationen von US-amerikanischen 'welfare-to-work'-Programmen heran, um die Argumente für mehr Aktivierung und die Reorganisation wohlfahrtsstaatlicher Strukturen zu beleuchten. Dies ist problematisch. da die dargestellten Beispiele von US-Programmen häufig unvollständig sind. Dieser Artikel fasst die Ergebnisse einer Metaanalyse von 79 US-amerikanischen 'welfare-to-work'-Programmen zusammen und stellt eine robuste Einschätzung ihrer Wirksamkeit dar, insbesondere deren Einfluss auf die Anzahl der Sozialleistungsempfänger, die Höhe der Leistungsaufwendung sowie Beschäftigung und Einkommen der Leistungsempfänger. Schlussfolgerungen für das Reformprogramm Deutschlands werden gezogen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Dyke, Andrew, Carolyn J. Heinrich, Peter R. Mueser, Kenneth R. Troske & Kyung-Seong Jeon (2006): The effects of welfare-to-work program activities on labor market outcomes. In: Journal of labor economics, Jg. 24, H. 3, S. 567-607. DOI:10.1086/504642

Abstract

"Studies examining welfare-to-work program effectiveness present mixed and sometimes discrepant findings, partly due to research design, data, and methodological limitations. Using administrative data on Missouri and North Carolina welfare recipients, we substantially improve on past estimation approaches to identify the distinct effects of each state's welfare-to-work subprograms-assessment, job search assistance and job readiness training, and more intensive programs designed to augment human capital. More intensive training is associated with greater initial earnings losses but also greater long-run earnings gains. The negative program impacts we observe in quarters immediately following participation turn positive by the second year after participation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hill, Carolyn J. (2006): Casework job design and client outcomes in welfare-to-work offices. In: Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Jg. 16, H. 2, S. 263-288. DOI:10.1093/jopart/mui043

Abstract

"Differences in performance across different locations of a human service program may be driven by client, managerial, organizational, policy, or environmental characteristics. While many of these factors are outside the control of local managers, other factors may be open to influence by local discretion and may have independent effects on performance. One issue facing local managers is how to divide job tasks among frontline staff, but little evidence is available regarding whether job design is related to performance. In this article, I examine the relationships between different casework task configurations and welfare-to-work office performance. Controlling for a number of client and office characteristics, I find that clients' average earnings are higher over a two-year period in offices that primarily use unified case management and in offices with a specialist who develops job opportunities. I find no effects on earnings in offices that use other kinds of specialists and no effects of unified case management or specialists on welfare benefit receipt in the two-year period. Overall, the findings suggest that local managerial decisions regarding job design help explain the variation in performance across offices and suggest a possible lever through which performance can be improved." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hotz, V. Joseph, Guido W. Imbens & Jacob A. Klerman (2006): Evaluating the differential effects of alternative welfare-to-work training components. A re-analysis of the California GAIN Program. (NBER working paper 11939), Cambridge, Mass., 52 S. DOI:10.3386/w11939

Abstract

"In this paper, we explore ways of combining experimental data and non-experimental methods to estimate the differential effects of components of training programs. We show how data from a multi-site experimental evaluation in which subjects are randomly assigned to any treatment versus a control group who receives no treatment can be combined with non-experimental regression-adjustment methods to estimate the differential effects of particular types of treatments. We also devise tests of the validity of using the latter methods. We use these methods and tests to re-analyze data from the MDRC Evaluation of California's Greater Avenues to Independence (GAIN) program. While not designed to estimate the differential effects of the Labor Force Attachment (LFA) training and Human Capital Development (HCD) training components used in this program, we show how data from this experimental evaluation can be used in conjunction with non-experimental methods to estimate such effects. We present estimates of both the short- and long-term differential effects of these two training components on employment and earnings. We find that while there are short-term positive differential effects of LFA versus HCD, the latter training component is relatively more beneficial in the longer-term." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hotz, V. Joseph, Guido W. Imbens & Jacob A. Klerman (2006): Evaluating the differential effects of alternative welfare-to-work training components. A reanalysis of the California GAIN Program. In: Journal of labor economics, Jg. 24, H. 3, S. 521-566.

Abstract

"We show how data from an evaluation in which subjects are randomly assigned to some treatment versus a control group can be combined with nonexperimental methods to estimate the differential effects of alternative treatments. We propose tests for the validity of these methods. We use these methods and tests to analyze the differential effects of labor force attachment (LFA) versus human capital development (HCD) training components with data from California's Greater Avenues to Independence (GAIN) program. While LFA is more effective than HCD training in the short term, we find that HCD is relatively more effective in the longer term." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Kluve, Jochen (2006): Die Wirksamkeit aktiver Arbeitsmarktpolitik in Europa. (RWI-Materialien 28), Essen, 17 S.

Abstract

"Die meisten europäischen Staaten setzen Maßnahmen der Aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik - z.B. Fortbildungsprogramme oder Lohnsubventionen - zur Bekämpfung der Arbeitslosigkeit ein, oftmals mit erheblichem finanziellen Aufwand. Es gibt jedoch kaum länderübergreifende empirische Erkenntnisse, welche Maßnahme unter welchen Bedingungen für welche Teilnehmergruppe tatsächlich wirksam ist. Eine Meta-Analyse auf Basis von Evaluationsstudien aus einzelnen europäischen Ländern kann diese Frage beantworten - mit überraschend deutlichen Ergebnissen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

O'Leary, Christopher J. (2006): State UI job search rules and reemployment services. In: Monthly labor review, Jg. 129, H. 6, S. 27-37.

Abstract

"Ever since the Federal-State unemployment insurance (UI) system was implemented following the enactment of the Social Security Act in 1935, the reemployment of claimants has been an important emphasis of the program. This article examines whether UI requirements pertaining to job searches and UI mechanisms connecting claimants with reemployment services tend to shorten the duration of those claimants' insured unemployment. Evidence is presented from a 2003 National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) survey of all State UI programs. Also presented is evidence about the effect of State UI policies and reemployment assistance on the duration of insured unemployment. Although the sizes of the estimated impacts differ, the consistent finding is that both UI work search requirements and UI reemployment services tend to shorten claimants' duration of insured unemployment by speeding their return to work." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

(2006): Evaluationsforschung. Grundlagen und ausgewählte Forschungsfelder. (Sozialwissenschaftliche Evaluationsforschung 01), Münster u.a.: Waxmann, 420 S.

Abstract

"In dem Lehrbuch werden die wichtigsten Theorien, Methoden und Entwicklungen der Evaluationsforschung beschrieben. Außerdem wird der Stand der Forschung für zentrale Politikfelder resümiert. Im ersten Teil werden einige grundsätzliche Themen zur Entwicklung der Evaluationsforschung in Deutschland, Europa und den USA behandelt, die wichtigsten Theorien und Methoden vorgestellt und ein Ausblick auf die Entwicklung der Evaluation im 21. Jahrhundert gegeben. Im zweiten Teil des Buches wird der aktuelle Wissens- und Diskussionsstand in ausgewählten Feldern der Evaluationsforschung zusammengefasst." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Greenberg, David, Andreas Cebulla & Stacey Bouchet (2005): Report on a meta-analysis of welfare-to-work programs. Washington, 184 S.

Abstract

"This study, the Meta-Analysis of Welfare-to-Work Programs, analyzed the results of welfare-to-work demonstrations carried out since 1982. The purpose was to determine how impacts in those demonstrations are related to a wide range of variables, including the nature of the treatment, and to such background variables as the demographic and economic factors at the demonstration sites. The major research question was to determine how a variety of factors such as the treatment, as well as demographic and economic circumstances influenced the impact in welfare-to-work demonstrations. The study estimated the impact of various treatment policies and of demographic and economic conditions on earnings and other outcome variables. The purpose of answering such questions is to be able estimate the impact of implementing a particular welfare-to-work treatment at a particular time and place. In addition to the impact on earnings, this study also attempted to estimate what factors influence the impact on child well being. The study analyzed the results of welfare-to-work demonstrations carried out since 1982 that were evaluated through the use of experimental methodologies (i.e., random assignment of recipients to a treatment or control group). This study was carried out using meta-analysis. A meta-analysis employs regression analysis applied to studies already completed. In this study the dependent variable in the regression is the impact of the treatment on the outcome variable, and the independent variables consist of treatment variables, demographic variables and economic variables. The project period was 2/01/02-3/30/05." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Greenberg, David H., Philip K. Robins & Robert Walker (2005): Conducting meta-analyses of evaluations of government-funded training programs. In: Review of Policy Research, Jg. 22, H. 3, S. 345-367. DOI:10.1111/j.1541-1338.2005.00140.x

Abstract

"Government-funded training programs in the United States have often been subject to rigorous evaluation. Indeed, many of these programs have been evaluated with random assignment, although sophisticated quasi-experimental methods have also been used. Until very recently, however, there has been little systematic attempt to use the cumulative information vested in these evaluations to attempt determine which kinds of programs work best in which setting and with respect to which types of client. Meta-analysis-a set of statistical procedures for systematically synthesizing findings from separate studies-can, in theory at least, address these and other topics that evaluation of individual programs cannot. This article discusses the steps in conducting such a synthesis, summarizes the results of three recently conducted meta-analyses of training and welfare-to-work programs, identifies limitations to the meta-analytic approach, and considers ways in which some of these limitations can be overcome." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

O'Leary, Christopher & Stephen A. Wandner (2005): Do job search rules and reemployment services reduce insured unemployment? (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2005-112), Kalamazoo, 24 S.

Abstract

"This paper summarizes state unemployment insurance job search policies based on a recent survey of states by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. It then reviews research results on the effects of reemployment services on durations of insured unemployment. The paper documents how state administrative practices have changed and questions whether these changes may have affected monitoring of claimant compliance with work search requirements. Since state policies on job search and service referral can affect insured durations of unemployment, these policies can also affect the measured total unemployment rate." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Frölich, Markus, Michael Lechner & Heidi Steiger (2004): Statistically assisted programme selection. International experiences and potential benefits for Switzerland. (Institute for Labour Market Policy Evaluation. Working paper 2004,01), Uppsala, 26 S.

Abstract

"Ein gezielter Einsatz der aktiven arbeitsmarktlichen Massnahmen erscheint aufgrund der insignifikanten bzw. negativen Resultate vieler Evaluationsstudien notwendig. Ein statistisches System könnte dazu beitragen, aktive arbeitsmarktliche Massnahmen gezielter für jene Personen einzusetzen, die tatsächlich von diesen profitieren können. Ein solches System könnte die Personalberater bei der Auswahl geeigneter Massnahmen für eine bestimmte arbeitslose Person auf individueller Ebene unterstützen. In dem Papier werden die internationalen Erfahrungen mit solchen Systemen beleuchtet und ein potentieller Ansatz wird für die Schweiz entwickelt. Die Simulationsergebnisse deuten an, dass ein solches statistisches System zu einer deutlich höheren Wiederbeschäftigungsquote hätte beitragen können." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Greenberg, David, Karl Ashworth, Andreas Cebulla & Robert Walker (2004): Do welfare-to-work programmes work for long? In: Fiscal Studies, Jg. 25, H. 1, S. 27-53. DOI:10.1111/j.1475-5890.2004.tb00095.x

Abstract

"Evidence that welfare-to-work programmes in the USA succeed in boosting welfare recipients' earnings at modest cost has helped shape policy in Britain since 1997. So too has the belief that programmes that prioritise moving people into work quickly are more effective than ones that seek to enhance human capital. However, there is little evidence on how long the beneficial effects of programmes persist after individuals leave them. The analysis reported draws on the experience of 64 US welfare-to-work programmes that have all been evaluated using random assignment. It concludes that, on average, these programmes have a positive effect on participants' earnings for five to six years. The effects of 'work first' interventions are most marked early on and decline more rapidly than those of programmes emphasising human capital. Nevertheless, work first interventions typically increase earnings received over six years by more than two-and-a-half times that achieved by human capital approaches." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hollenbeck, Kevin (2004): Using administrative data for workforce development program evaluation. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2004-103), Kalamazoo, 63 S.

Abstract

"This paper addresses the question of whether administrative data that are collected for performance monitoring purposes can be used for program evaluation. It argues that under certain circumstances, such data can be used. In particular, data from the state of Washington are used to examine the effectiveness of services provided to adults under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The general theme of an emerging literature on techniques for nonexperimental evaluations of social programs is that many different techniques have appropriate asymptotic properties. A contribution of this paper is to examine the sensitivity of net impact estimators to various estimation techniques. Virtually all of the techniques yielded estimates of positive labor market impacts for both men and women. Men had earnings gains on the order of 10 percent that resulted mainly from increased employment rates. Women had larger estimated earnings gains-on the order of 20 to 25 percent-that emanated from increased employment and increased wages or hours. A second purpose of the paper was to provide principles that policymakers and program administrators should apply when considering evaluation results." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hollenbeck, Kevin (2004): Some reflections on the use of administrative data to estimate the net impacts of workforce programs in Washington State. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2004-109), Kalamazoo, 17 S.

Abstract

"The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the results, methodology, and processes used in a series of net labor market impact studies done for the State of Washington over the past six years. All of the studies relied on administrative data and used a technique referred to as quasiexperimental evaluation. The program interventions were the federal- and state-funded workforce development programs The paper sets out eight 'reflections' for analysts and policy makers to consider. These reflections identify lessons learned and uncertainties or issues that need more consideration and scrutiny." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Maguire, Malcolm (2004): Measuring the Outcomes of Career Guidance. In: International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, Jg. 4, H. 2-3, S. 179-192.

Abstract

"Dieser Artikel betrachtet die Bedeutung kontextueller Faktoren, die sich auf die Berufliche Beratung selbst und deren Ergebnisse auswirken. Es wird dann versucht, Aspekte der Definition und der Bewertung zu identifizieren und zu klären, und dann die Kategorien von Ergebnissen zu betrachten, die von der beruflichen Beratung üblicherweise erwartet werden, und die nachgewiesen werden können. Es folgt eine Diskussion der Ergebnisse, die üblicherweise betrachtet werden, sowie der Kriterien, die mit diesen Ergebnissen verbunden werden, und es werden die verschiedenen Verfahren der Messung von Ergebnissen bewertet, die eingesetzt werden bzw. eingesetzt werden könnten. Schließlich werden Schlussfolgerungen dieser Diskussion sowohl für die Politik als auch für zukünftige Forschungsplanungen betrachtet." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Schmid, Günther, Markus Gangl & Peter Kupka (Hrsg.) (2004): Arbeitsmarktpolitik und Strukturwandel. Empirische Analysen. (Beiträge zur Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung 286), Nürnberg, 280 S.

Abstract

Der Band dokumentiert die Vorträge, die im November 2003 auf dem gemeinsamen Kontaktseminar "Arbeitsmarktpolitik, Erwerbsverläufe und Strukturwandel" des Instituts für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung und der Abteilung Arbeitsmarktpolitik und Beschäftigung am Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gehalten wurden. Ausgangspunkt des Tagungsprogramms war die Überzeugung, dass sich die Strukturen des Arbeitsmarktes in den letzten Jahrzehnten nachhaltig verändert haben, dass Strukturumbrüche bereits an vielen Orten und in vielfältiger Weise erfolgreich bewältigt wurden, aber dass die Arbeitsmärkte der international vernetzten Dienstleistungsgesellschaft den Arbeitnehmern auch in Zukunft ein hohes Maß an Flexibilität und Eigenverantwortung abverlangen werden. In den Beiträgen wird dementsprechend untersucht, an welchen Stellen, in welche Richtung und in welchem Ausmaß bewährte Institutionen des Arbeitsmarkts angepasst werden müssen, um Erwerbsverläufe in einem neu und anders konturierten Dienstleistungsarbeitsmarkt abzusichern und zu stützen. Grundlage und Bezugsrahmen der Überlegungen ist das Konzept der Übergangsarbeitsmärkte - verstanden als institutionelle Scharniere zur individuellen und kollektiven Bewältigung von Friktionen, Anpassungsprozessen und des Strukturwandels im Arbeitsmarkt. (IAB2)

Zitatform

(2004): Evaluationsforschung. Grundlagen und ausgewählte Forschungsfelder. (Sozialwissenschaftliche Evaluationsforschung 01), Opladen: Leske und Budrich, 416 S.

Abstract

"In dem Lehrbuch werden die wichtigsten Theorien, Methoden und Entwicklungen der Evaluationsforschung beschrieben. Außerdem wird der Stand der Forschung für zentrale Politikfelder resümiert. Im ersten Teil werden einige grundsätzliche Themen zur Entwicklung der Evaluationsforschung in Deutschland, Europa und den USA behandelt. Es werden die wichtigsten Theorien und Methoden vorgestellt und ein Ausblick auf die Entwicklung der Evaluation im 21. Jahrhundert gegeben. Im zweiten Teil des Buches wird der aktuelle Wissens- und Diskussionsstand in ausgewählten Feldern der Evaluationsforschung zusammengefasst. Das Buch richtet sich an Dozenten und Studenten aller sozialwissenschaftlichen Fächer, sowie an Gutachter, Consultants und Verwaltungsfachleute, die sich mit Fragen der Evaluation, der Erfolgskontrolle, der wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung, der Wirkungsanalyse oder dem Qualitätsmanagement beschäftigen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Addison, John T. & Paul J.J. Welfens (Hrsg.) (2003): Labor markets and social security. Issues and policy options in the U.S. and Europe. Berlin u.a.: Springer London, 402 S.

Abstract

"These continue to be difficult times for the labor markets of the industrialized nations. Shifts in labor demand, deregulatory impulses, and the ongoing process of globalization have each impacted the labor markets of the United States and Europe. In the face of the globalization of economic relations and the challenge of the NICs, employment has stagnated in some member states of the EU - in sharp contrast to the United States. Even though several European countries have introduced seemingly successful labor market reforms, whether Euroland as a whole will be able to cope with heterogeneous labor market dynamics and rising immigration is an open question. This theme provides the backdrop to this book. Its main focus is on labor market rules, unemployment, and aspects of the social security system. Theory and practice receive equal attention. Options for reforming labor markets and the social security system provide the policy content." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Black, Dan A., Jefrey A. Smith, Mark C. Berger & Brett J. Noel (2003): Is the threat of reemployment services more effective than the services themselves? Evidence from random assignment in the UI system. In: The American economic review, Jg. 93, H. 4, S. 1313-1327.

Abstract

"The authors examine the effect of the Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services system. This program 'profiles' Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants to determine their probability of benefit exhaustion and then provides mandatory employment and training services to claimants with high predicted probabilities. Using a unique experimental design, the authors estimate that the program reduces mean weeks of UI benefit receipt by about 2.2 weeks, reduces mean UI benefits received by about 143 dollar, and increases subsequent earnings by over 1,050 dollar. Most of the effect results from a sharp increase in early UI exits in the treatment group relative to the control group." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Greenberg, David, Robert Meyer, Charles Michalopoulos & Michael Wiseman (2003): Explaining variation in the effects of welfare-to-work programs. In: Evaluation review, Jg. 27, H. 4, S. 359-394.

Abstract

"Evaluations of government-funded training programs often combine results from similar operations in multiple sites. Findings inevitably vary. It is common to relate site-to-site variations in outcomes to variations in program design, participant characteristics, and the local environment. Frequently, such connections are constructed in a narrative synthesis of multisite results. This article uses findings from the evaluations of California's Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) program and the National Evaluation of Welfare-to-Work Strategies (NEWWS) to illustrate why it is important to question the legitimacy of such syntheses. The discussion is carried out using a simple multilevel evaluation model that incorporates models of both individual outcomes within sites and variation in program effects across sites. The results indicate that tempting generalizations about GAIN and NEWWS effects are statistically unjustified but that significant progress might be made in identifying the determinants of program effects in future demonstrations with some changes in evaluation strategy." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Greenberg, David H., Charles Michalopoulos & Philip K. Robins (2003): A meta-analysis of government-sponsored training programs. In: Industrial and Labor Relations Review, Jg. 57, H. 1, S. 31-53.

Abstract

"This study uses meta-analysis to synthesize findings from 31 evaluations of 15 voluntary government-funded training programs for the disadvantaged that operated between 1964 and 1998. On average, the earnings effects of the evaluated programs seem to have been largest for women, quite modest for men, and negligible for youths. For men and women, the earnings effects of training appear to have persisted for at least several years after the training was complete. Classroom skills training was apparently effective in increasing earnings, but basic education was not. There is no evidence that more expensive training programs performed better than less expensive ones. Although the United States has more than three decades of experience in running training programs, the programs do not appear to have become more effective over time." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Hollenbeck, Kevin M. (2003): Net impact estimates of the workforce development system in Washington state. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2003-92), Kalamazoo, 22 S.

Abstract

"This study estimates the net impacts and private and social benefits and costs of nine workforce development programs administered in Washington State. Five of the programs serve job-ready adults: Community and Technical College Job Training, Private Career Schools, Apprenticeships, Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA) Title III programs, and Community and Technical College Worker Retraining. Two of the programs serve adults with employment barriers: Community and Technical College Adult Basic Skills Education and JTPA Title II-A programs. The other two programs serve youth: JTPA Title II-C programs and Secondary Career Technical Education. The net impact analyses were conducted using a nonexperimental methodology. Individuals who encountered the workforce development programs were statistically matched to individuals who did not. Administrative data with information from the universe of program participants and Employment Service registrants (who served as the comparison group pool) supported the analyses. These data included over 10 years of pre-program and outcome information including demographics, employment and earnings information from the Unemployment Insurance wage record system, and transfer income information such as Food Stamp and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipiency and benefits. A variety of estimation techniques were used to calculate net impacts including comparison of means, regression-adjusted comparison of means, and difference-in-difference comparison of means. We estimated short-run net impacts that examined outcomes for individuals who exited from the education or training programs (or from the employment service) in the fiscal year 1999/2000 and longer-run impacts for individuals who exited in the fiscal year 1997/98. Short-run employment impacts are positive for seven of the nine programs and negative for the other two. Short-run earnings impacts are insignificant for four of the programs, negative for two, and positive for the remaining three. The longer-run impacts are more sanguine. Employment impacts are positive for all nine programs, and earnings are positive for seven and insignificantly different from zero for the other two. The benefit-cost analyses show that all of the programs have discounted future benefits that far exceed the costs for participants, and that society also receives a positive return on investment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Mueser, Peter R., Kenneth Troske & Alexey Gorislavsky (2003): Using state administrative data to measure program performance. (IZA discussion paper 786), Bonn, 62 S.

Abstract

"This paper uses administrative data from Missouri to examine the sensitivity of job training program impact estimates based on alternative nonexperimental methods. In addition to simple regression adjustment, we consider Mahalanobis distance matching and a variety of methods using propensity score matching. In each case, we consider estimates based on levels of post-program earnings as well as difference-in-difference estimates based on comparison of pre- and post-program earnings. Specification tests suggest that the difference-in-difference estimator may provide a better measure of program impact. We find that propensity score matching is generally most effective, but the detailed implementation of the method is not of critical importance. Our analyses demonstrate that existing data available at the state level can be used to obtain useful estimates of program impact." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

O'Leary, Christopher J., Paul T. Decker & Stephen A. Wandner (2003): Cost-effectiveness of targeted reemployment bonuses. (Upjohn Institute staff working paper 2003-51), Kalamazoo, 18 S.

Abstract

"Targeting reemployment bonus offers to unemployment insurance (UI) claimants identified as most likely to exhaust benefits is estimated to reduce benefit payments. We show that targeting bonus offers with profiling models similar to those in state Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services systems can improve cost effectiveness. Since estimated average benefit payments do not steadily decline as the eligibility screen is gradually tightened, we find that narrow targeting is not optimal. The best candidate is a low bonus amount with a long qualification period, targeted to the half of profiled claimants most likely to exhaust their UI benefit entitlement." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Pepper, John V. (2003): Using Experiments to Evaluate Performance Standards. What do Welfare-to-Work demonstrations reveal to welfare reformers? In: The Journal of Human Resources, Jg. 38, H. 4, S. 860-880.

Abstract

"This paper examines how experimental demonstrations can be used to inform planners about the efficacy of social programs in light of a performance standard. The problem is illustrated by considering the situation faced by state governments attempting to design programs to meet the new federal welfare-to-work standards. Data from experimental evaluations alone allow only limited inferences about the labor market outcomes of welfare recipients. Combined with prior information on the selection process, however, these data are informative, suggesting either that the long-run federal requirements cannot be met or that these standards will only be met under special circumstances." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bell, Stephen H. & Larry L. Orr (2002): Screening (and creaming?) applicants to job trainings programs. The AFDC homemaker - home health aide demonstrations. In: Labour economics, Jg. 9, H. 2, S. 279-301. DOI:10.1016/S0927-5371(02)00006-4

Abstract

"Government employment and training programs typically do not have sufficient resources to serve all those who apply for assistance. Those to be served are usually selected by program staff based on management guidelines that allow considerable policy discretion at the local level. A longstanding issue in employment and training policy is whether allowing this flexibility leads to selection of applicants (1) most likely to benefit from the program or (2) who are likely to experience the highest absolute outcomes in the absence of program services, sometimes called "creaming". The distinction is crucial to the success of many programs, both as redistributional tools and as economic investments. Selection of those most likely to benefit from the program - i.e., those for whom the program's impact on subsequent labor market success will be greatest - will maximize the social return on the investment in training. In contrast, "creaming" may lead to little or no social benefit or to a substantial gain, depending on whether those selected for training - the group most likely to succeed without the treatment - in fact benefit most from it. The redistributional effects of a program will also depend on who is served: among the applicant group, a more equal distribution of economic well-being, ex post, will be achieved only if the program favors applicants likely to do worst without the intervention. This paper explores the role of creaming in the operation of seven welfare-to-work training programs, the type of programs that have been the focus of increased expenditures over the last 10 years as more and more welfare recipients have been pushed to become self-sufficient. It considers whether the program intake practices adopted in the studied programs furthered the social goals pursued and, if not, what consequences they had on the twin concerns of distributional equity and economic efficiency. The analysis begins by reviewing the history of the creaming issue and its importance in the literature. A unique data set is then examined to discover the factors that influenced admission decisions in seven state-run employment and training programs for welfare recipients and how those decisions played out in terms of the in-training performance and later labor market outcomes of program participants. The principal conclusions are that these programs "creamed" the most able applicants on both observable and unobservable characteristics, but that this targeting did not systematically affect the size program impacts or the return on investment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Blank, Rebecca M. (2002): Evaluating welfare reform in the United States. In: Journal of Economic Literature, Jg. 40, H. 4, S. 1105-1166.

Abstract

Der Artikel berichtet über sozialpolitische Reformen in den 90er Jahren in den USA. Insbesondere geht er auf Programme wie den "Earned Income Tax Credit" (EITC) und andere Initiativen im Rahmen des "Welfare-To-Work" ein, die darauf abzielen, Haushalte und allein Erziehende mit niedrigem Einkommen für den Arbeitsmarkt zu aktivieren. Es wird außerdem über die Ansätze und Ergebnisse von einschlägigen Evaluationsstudien berichtet. (IAB)

Zitatform

Dann, Sabine, Andrea Kirchmann, Alexander Spermann & Jürgen Volkert (Hrsg.) (2002): Kombi-Einkommen. Ein Weg aus der Sozialhilfe? Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, 175 S.

Abstract

"Zur Überwindung von Sozialhilfefallen und Langzeitarbeitslosigkeit werden Kombi-Einkommen vorgeschlagen. Mit Kombilöhnen soll zum Ausbau des Niedriglohnsektors in Deutschland beigetragen werden. Doch welcher Beitrag ist von solchen Anreizinstrumenten für eine bessere Arbeitsmarktintegration tatsächlich zu erwarten? Der Band enthält die Beiträge einer Tagung, die vom Institut für Angewandte Wirtschaftsforschung Tübingen (IAW) im Herbst 2001 durchgeführt wurde. Für die Veranstaltung und den Tagungsband konnten Wissenschaftler gewonnen werden, die mit der Begleitforschung aller wesentlichen in Deutschland laufenden Modellversuche zu Kombi-Einkommen beauftragt sind. Im Einzelnen werden in den Beiträgen die Wirkungen des gesetzlichen Lohnabstandsgebotes, Berechnungen zu Beschäftigungs- und fiskalischen Effekten unterschiedlicher Kombi-Einkommen sowie die ersten Erfahrungen mit den verschiedenen deutschen Modellversuchen erörtert. Weitere Themenschwerpunkte sind die Aufstiegschancen aus subventionierten Beschäftigungsverhältnissen, die Bedeutung von Kombi-Einkommen für Alleinerziehende und die internationalen Erfahrungen mit vergleichbaren Ansätzen." Inhalt: Jürgen Volkert: Lohnabstandsgebot, Verpflichtung zur Arbeit und Sozialhilfefallen; Hilmar Schneider: Kombi-Einkommen. Arbeitsangebotseffekte mit und ohne Zielgruppenbegrenzung; Alfons Hollederer, Helmut Rudolph: Arbeitsanreize und Niedriglöhne. Konzeption und erste Erfahrungen des Mainzer Modells und des SGI-Modells; Sabine Dann, Andrea Kirchmann, Alexander Spermann, Jürgen Volkert: Das Einstiegsgeld - eine zielgruppenorientierte negative Einkommenssteuer. Konzeption, Umsetzung und erste Zwischenbilanz nach 15 Monaten in Baden-Württemberg; Lars Czommer, Claudia Weinkopf: Modellprojekte zur Erprobung des § 18 Absatz 5 BSHG; Waltraud Schelke: "Making Work Pay". Ziele und Wirkungen finanzieller Arbeitsanreize in den USA; Wolfgang Ochel: Finanzielle Arbeitsanreize - Konzeptionen und Ergebnisse in Großbritannien, Irland und Kanada; Bruno Kaltenborn, Hans-Peter Klös: Niedriglöhne und Kombi-Einkommen - Sackgasse oder Ausgangspunkt einer Karriere? Eine Mobilitätsuntersuchung für Westdeutschland 1984/96; Sabine Dann, Andrea Kirchmann, Alexander Spermann: Kombi-Einkommen - ein Königsweg für allein Erziehende? (IAB2)

Zitatform

Eberts, Randall W., Christopher J. O'Leary & Stephen A. Wandner (Hrsg.) (2002): Targeting employment services. Kalamazoo: Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 425 S.

Abstract

"Der Band enthält die Beiträge einer Konferenz, die sich mit der Neuausrichtung der Arbeitsmarktpolitik in den Vereinigten Staaten befasst hat. Mit dem Workforce Investment Act von 1998 sollten die arbeitsmarktpolitischen Programme effektiver gestaltet werden. Als ein Mittel der Teilnehmerauswahl wird das "targeting" oder "profiling" eingesetzt. Damit sollen die Arbeitslosen identifiziert werden, bei denen der Erfolg einer Maßnahme am wahrscheinlichsten ist. Hierfür werden statistische Verfahren angewandt. Die Evaluation bezieht sich auf Maßnahmen zur Förderung der beruflichen Selbständigkeit, ein Bonussystem bei der Wiederbeschäftigung und Welfare-to-Work-Programme für Sozialhilfeempfänger. Ergänzende Beiträge befassen sich mit ähnlichen Maßnahmen in Kanada." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Raddatz, Guido (Hrsg.) (2002): Bürgernah fördern und fordern. Konzepte für eine effiziente Arbeitsvermittlung und Grundsicherung. Beiträge zu einer gemeinsamen Tagung der Stiftung Marktwirtschaft und der Hessischen Landesregierung. Berlin, 168 S.

Abstract

"Wie könnte eine Zusammenlegung von Arbeitslosenhilfe und Sozialhilfe konkret aussehen, um den Betroffenen optimale Wiedereingliederungschancen in ein reguläres Beschäftigungsverhältnis zu ermöglichen? Wie lassen sich die finanziellen Lasten so aufteilen, daß die Effizienzgewinne allen föderalen Ebenen zugute kommen? Wer soll für die effiziente Vermittlung von Langzeitarbeitslosen verantwortlich sein? Diese und weitere Fragen standen im Mittelpunkt der Tagung 'Bürgernah fördern und fordern - Konzepte für eine effiziente Arbeitsvermittlung und Grundsicherung', die von der Stiftung Marktwirtschaft (Frankfurter Institut) gemeinsam mit der Hessischen Landesregierung im Mai 2002 in Wiesbaden veranstaltet wurde. Die Beiträge aus Wissenschaft, Potitik und Praxis sind in dem Band zusammengefaßt."

Abstract

"This overview adds to the body of knowledge on self-employment programmes by looking specifically at whether and how micro-finance can help bridge the credit gap. It presents results of 45 surveys and studies carried out in 1999 and 2000 as well as the outcome of an international conference in 2000 in Bonn. The report identifies the factors that make good self-employment promotion." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Bloch, Frank S. & Rienk Prins (Hrsg.) (2001): Who returns to work and why? A six-country study on work incapacity and reintegration. (International social security series 05), New Brunswick u.a.: Transaction Publ., 306 S.

Abstract

"The book examines a wide range of interventions directed at work incapacity and reintegration that are used by social security institutions, health care providers and employers. Drawing on data compiled in six longitudinal studies of day-to-day practices and experiences in Denmark, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United States through the International Social Security Association's Project on work incapacity and reintegration (WIR project), this volume addresses two key questions: do the various interventions (by social security and health care systems) found in different countries make a difference as to work resumption patterns: and if so, what are the best interventions?" (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Lechner, Michael & Friedhelm Pfeiffer (Hrsg.) (2001): Econometric evaluation of labour market policies. (ZEW economic studies 13), Heidelberg u.a.: Physica-Verl., 242 S.

Abstract

Der Band enthält die folgenden Beiträge zur Evaluation der Arbeitsmarktpolitik:
1. Instrumental variables, selection models, and tight bounds on the average treatment effect (James J. Heckman, Edward J. Vytlacil)
2. Some remarks on instrumental variables (Guido W. Imbens)
3. Identification and estimation of causal effects of multiple treatments under the conditional independence assumption (Michael Lechner)
4. Evaluating profiling as a means of allocating government service (Mark C. Berger, Dan Black, Jeffrey A. Smith)
5. Using matching estimators to evaluate alternative youth employme programs: Evidence from France, 1986-1988 (Thomas Brodaty, Bruno Crepon, Denis Fougere)
6. Do active labor market policies help unemployed workers to find keep regular jobs? (Jan C. van Ours)
7. Why do subsidised firms survive longer? An evaluation of a program promoting youth entrepreneurship in Italy (Erich Battistin, Andrea Gavosto, Enrico Rettore)
8. Estimating the effect of vocational rehabilitation programs in Sweden (Almas Heshmati, Lars-Gunnar Engström)
9. The impact of non-profit temping agencies on individual labour market success (Michael Lechner, Friedhelm Pfeiffer, Hannes Spengler, Matthias Almus). (IAB2)

Zitatform

Moffitt, Robert A. & Michele ver Ploeg (Hrsg.) (2001): Evaluating welfare reform in an era of transition. Panel on data and methods for measuring the effects of changes in social welfare programs. Washington: National Academy Press, 253 S.

Abstract

"With the passing of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, the United States embarked on a major social experiment with its social welfare and safety net programs for the poor. The most far-reaching reform of the cash welfare system for single mothers since 1935, PRWORA replaced the federal entitlement program for low-income families and children (Aid to Families with Dependent Children, AFDC) with a stateadministered block grant program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Determining the consequences of this experiment is of great importance. Has welfare reform 'worked?' What were the effects of the reforms on families and individuals? What reforms worked for whom and why? In looking toward the development of new policies to aid low-income families, which elements of the new welfare system need to be changed and which left as is? For these fundamental questions to be answered adequately, two issues need to be addressed. First, how should one go about answering these questions what methods should be used and what types of studies should be conducted in order to determine the effects of welfare reform? Second, what types of data are needed to measure the effects of welfare reform? Are federal and state data sources currently available sufficient to carry out needed evaluations, and, if not, what investments in that infrastructure are needed? These two issues are the subject of this report." (Text excerpt, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Moore, Coray L. (2001): Disparities in job placement outcomes among deaf, late-deafened, and hard-of-hearing consumers. In: Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, Jg. 44, H. 3, S. 144-150.

Abstract

In dem Beitrag werden anhand eines US-amerikanischen Datensatzes des Jahres 1997 Unterschiede in der Berufseinmündung von gehörlosen, spätertaubten und schwerhoerigen Absolventen von beruflichen Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen identifiziert. (IAB)

Zitatform

Walwei, Ulrich & Heinz Werner (2001): Employment problems and active labor market policies in industrialized countries. In: D. D. Hoskins, D. Dobbernack & C. Kuptsch (Hrsg.) (2001): Social security at the dawn of the 21st century : topical issues and new approaches (International social security series, 02), S. 133-170.

Abstract

"The authors concentrate primarily on an analysis of the situation in selected countries in which unemployment has fallen from a relatively high level in past years to a low level in recent years and in which at the same time employment has risen. Four countries - Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States - offer the most striking examples. They shall begin with a survey of the development and structure of unemployment in Western industrialized countries. This will be followed by conclusions to be drawn from the experience of the countries with successful employment policies. In this context the role that active labour market policy measures can play in the reduction of unemployment will be discussed. Finally, there will be a concluding summary and an indication of conflicts of objectives which can arise in the formulation of labour market policies." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Schmidt, Christoph M. (2000): Arbeitsmarktpolitische Maßnahmen und ihre Evaluierung. Eine Bestandsaufnahme. (IZA discussion paper 207), Bonn, 25 S.

Abstract

"Trotz des beachtlichen personellen und finanziellen Aufwands, der in der Bundesrepublik für die Durchführung arbeitsmarktpolitischer Maßnahmen betrieben wird, ist ihr Erfolg in keiner Weise gesichert. Im Gegenteil, die bisherige Evaluierungspraxis verletzt nahezu durchgängig eine der Minimalanforderungen an zielgerichtetes und erfolgsorientiertes Handeln, die Erfordernis, eine Vergleichssituation zu konstruieren, die hinreichend genau beschreibt, was sich ohne den in Frage gestellten Eingriff ergeben hätte. Vor dem Hintergrund eines internationalen Vergleichs der Evaluierungspraxis diskutiert dieser Beitrag die methodischen Probleme bei der Evaluierung arbeitsmarktpolitischer Maßnahmen, wobei unterschiedliche empirische Strategien zur Lösung dieser Probleme vorgestellt werden. Darüber hinaus wird ein kurzer Abriß der verfügbaren wissenschaftlichen Evidenz zu ökonomischen Auswirkungen von Arbeitsmarktprogrammen angeboten, aus denen eine Reihe zentraler Schlußfolgerungen für zukünftige Vorschläge solcher Maßnahmen und ihre Evaluierung gezogen wird." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Smith, Jeffrey (2000): Evaluation aktiver Arbeitsmarktpolitik. Erfahrungen aus Nordamerika. In: Mitteilungen aus der Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung, Jg. 33, H. 3, S. 345-356.

Abstract

Der Beitrag untersucht die Lehren, die aus der Evalutionsforschung in den USA für die Wirkungsforschung der deutschen Arbeitsmarktpolitik gezogen werden können. Der Autor betrachtet zunächst die institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen, innerhalb derer Evaluation stattfindet: Welche Individuen, Unternehmen oder Organisationen führen Evaluationen durch, wer sind die Auftraggeber und wer evaluiert - explizit oder implizit - die Evaluatoren. Es wird argumentiert, dass diese institutionellen Rahmenbedingungen eine entscheidende Rolle dabei spielen, ob Evaluationen objektiv durchgeführt werden und somit der Poliltik und öffentlichen Meinung von Nutzen sein können. Die zweite Fragestellung betrifft die Wahl zwischen verschiedenen ökonometrischen Evaluationsmethoden. Der Autor argumentiert, dass bei der Methodenwahl und der Interpretation der Ergebnisse berücksichtigt werden muss, dass der Einfluss eines Programms zwischen den Individuen variieren kann. Anschließend werden Kosten und Nutzen von sozialen Experimenten und die Einsatzmöglichkeiten der jüngeren Propensity Score Matching Methoden angesprochen. Zum Abschluss wird auf die Bedeutung von allgemeinen Gleichgewichtseffekten in der Evaluationsforschung eingegangen. (IAB2)

Zitatform

Wilson, Laura A., Robert P. Stoker & Dennis McGrath (1999): Welfare bureaus as moral tutors. What do clients learn from paternalistic welfare reforms? In: Social Science Quarterly, Jg. 80, H. 3, S. 473-486.

Abstract

"This research tests the premise of paternalistic welfare reform that clients will alter their behavior in accordance to the application of sanctions or incentives to their welfare case. Over two hundred welfare clients were surveyed about their knowledge of program requirements and sanctions. The survey results were then compared to their actual records of sanction kept by the welfare agency. Chi-square and logit analyses were then conducted to ascertain whether the sanctioning process improved client knowledge of program requirements and the status of their personal case. Most clients do not learn program requirements, even when they experience sanctions. Rather, clients seem to learn to respond to the episodic demands of caseworkers for returning verification information. These findings suggest that welfare agencies confront limitations in their role as moral tutors. Our findings indicate that welfare reforms do not change clients' orientations as much as organize clients' lives to respond to administrative demands." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Puma, Michael J. & Nancy R. Burstein (1994): The national evaluation of the food stamp employment and training program. In: Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Jg. 13, H. 2, S. 311-330. DOI:10.2307/3325016

Abstract

"This article reports the results of the national evaluation of the Food Stamp Employment and Training (E&T) Program, based on an experimental study involving over 13,000 program participants in 53 separate local food stamp agencies. The story told by these findings begins with the types of individuals who participated in the E&T Program in FY 1988. Nearly 70 percent did not have children (removing this barrier to finding employment), and about half were single, highly mobile adults living alone. Most received no public assistance other than food stamps. For the most part, then, these were individuals who needed to work - food stamp benefits are not intended to meet total subsistence needs. It would, therefore, be expected that most of the E&T participants would be looking for work (whether or not they were successful) in the absence of E&T requirements. Next, it is apparent that large numbers of E&T participants did not engage in employment or training services in FY 1988. As currently structured, beyond imposing the obligation to meet the requirements of E&T, the program failed to provide any actual services to about half of those deemed eligible to participate. For the most part, the services received by E&T participants consisted primarily of referral to individual job search. In the absence of E&T, many of the individuals currently targeted by the program were able to obtain similar referrals on their own. Consequently, it is not surprising, that E&T was found to have no effect on participants' employment and earnings, and only a relatively small effect on average food stamp benefits." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))