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Masterful Meisters? Voluntary Certification and Quality in the German Crafts Sector

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  • Kaja Fredriksen
  • Petrik Runst
  • Kilian Bizer

Abstract

Voluntary certification systems potentially reduce search costs in markets with imperfect information. Service markets with many heterogeneous firms – such as the crafts market – are prone to information imperfections and can therefore potentially benefit from such informational mechanisms. We examine if the Meister qualification in the German crafts sector improves service quality as perceived by consumers. We find a significant and positive relationship between the Meister title and consumer ratings and conclude that the certificate is a credible sign of quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaja Fredriksen & Petrik Runst & Kilian Bizer, 2019. "Masterful Meisters? Voluntary Certification and Quality in the German Crafts Sector," German Economic Review, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 20(1), pages 83-104, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:germec:v:20:y:2019:i:1:p:83-104
    DOI: 10.1111/geer.12158
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    2. Thonipara, Anita & Proeger, Till & Bizer, Kilian, 2019. "Strukturanalyse zur Digitalisierung des Handwerks in Südniedersachsen," Göttinger Beiträge zur Handwerksforschung 30, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    3. Proeger, Till & Meub, Lukas & Thonipara, Anita & Bizer, Kilian, 2019. "Digitale Plattformen im Handwerk - eine Analyse von MyHammer und ProvenExpert," Göttinger Beiträge zur Handwerksforschung 32, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).
    4. Bizer, Kilian & Haverkamp, Katarzyna & Proeger, Till, 2019. "Stellungnahme zur Wiedereinführung der Meisterpflicht im Handwerk," Göttinger Beiträge zur Handwerksforschung 31, Volkswirtschaftliches Institut für Mittelstand und Handwerk an der Universität Göttingen (ifh).

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