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Employment Protection and Relocation with Firm Heterogeneity

Author

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  • Gerda Dewit

    (Department of Economics Finance and Accounting, National University of Ireland, Maynooth)

  • Holger Görg

    (Kiel Institute for the World Economy, University of Kiel and CEPR)

  • Yama Temouri

    (Aston Business School, Aston University)

Abstract

This paper examines the determinants of the decision to relocate activities abroad for firms that are located in 29 OECD countries. Our theoretical model suggests that firm heterogeneity plays a crucial role for the link between employment protection and relocation. Stricter employment protection laws in the home country discourages firms’ relocation activity. While larger, more productive firms and firms with higher labour intensities have, ceteris paribus, higher propensities to relocate, these firms also face higher exit barriers if the country from which they consider relocating has strict employment protection laws. Our theoretical predictions are supported empirically, with consistent results for firms operating in the manufacturing sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerda Dewit & Holger Görg & Yama Temouri, 2013. "Employment Protection and Relocation with Firm Heterogeneity," Economics Department Working Paper Series n234-13.pdf, Department of Economics, National University of Ireland - Maynooth.
    • Handle: RePEc:may:mayecw:n234-13.pdf
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    1. Dewit, Gerda & Görg, Holger & Temouri, Yama, 2019. "Employment Protection and Firm Relocation: Theory and Evidence," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 265098, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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