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Skill Mismatch, Nepotism, Job Satisfaction, and Young Females in the MENA Region

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  • Mahmoud Arayssi

    (Finance Department, Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon)

  • Ali Fakih

    (Department of Economics, Adnan Kassar School of Business, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon)

  • Nathir Haimoun

    (Department of Economics, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Calgary, AB T2T4M9, Canada)

Abstract

Skills utilization is an important factor affecting labor productivity and job satisfaction. This paper examines the effects of skills mismatch, nepotism, and gender discrimination on wages and job satisfaction in MENA workplaces. Gender discrimination implies social costs for firms due to higher turnover rates and lower retention levels. Young females suffer disproportionality from this than their male counterparts, resulting in a wider gender gap in the labor market at multiple levels. Therefore, we find that the skill mismatch problem appears to be more significant among specific demographic groups, such as females, immigrants, and ethnic minorities; it is also negatively correlated with job satisfaction and wages. We bridge the literature gap on youth skill mismatch’s main determinants, including nepotism, by showing evidence from some developing countries. Given the implied social costs associated with these practices and their impact on the labor market, we have compiled a list of policy recommendations that the government and relevant stakeholders should take to reduce these problems in the workplace. Therefore, we provide a guide to address MENA’s skill mismatch and improve overall job satisfaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Mahmoud Arayssi & Ali Fakih & Nathir Haimoun, 2023. "Skill Mismatch, Nepotism, Job Satisfaction, and Young Females in the MENA Region," Econometrics, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-20, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecnmx:v:11:y:2023:i:2:p:16-:d:1169584
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    References listed on IDEAS

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