Why Do Tougher Caseworkers Increase Employment? The Role of Program Assignment as a Causal Mechanism

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Huber, Martin; Lechner, Michael; Mellace, Giovanni
• 署名单位: University of Fribourg; University of St Gallen; IZA Institute Labor Economics; University of Southern Denmark
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/REST_a_00632
• 发表日期: 2017-03
• 页码: 180-183
• 关键词: sensitivity-analysis; propensity score; identification; inference

摘要

Previous research found that less accommodating caseworkers are more successful in placing unemployed workers into employment. This paper explores the causal mechanisms behind this result using semi-parametric mediation analysis. Analyzing rich linked job seeker-caseworker data for Switzerland, we find that the positive employment effects of less accommodating caseworkers are not driven by a particularly effective mix of labor market programs but, rather, by other dimensions of the counseling process, possibly including threats of sanctions and pressure to accept jobs.