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Why do you like or dislike your job?

Author

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  • Aum, Sangmin
  • Kim, Bongseop
  • Lee, Jungmin

Abstract

This study investigates the relative importance of non-wage job attributes, with a particular focus on corporate culture and overtime work. Using a discrete choice experiment with 3,026 wage workers in South Korea, we estimate the willingness-to-pay for a horizontal corporate culture, no overtime requirement, career development opportunities, and commuting time flexibility. We find that workers place the highest value on a horizontal corporate culture, followed by no overtime requirement. Using auxiliary data on working conditions from a nationally representative survey, we find that accounting for the non-uniform distribution of these non-wage job attributes across workers exacerbates compensation inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Aum, Sangmin & Kim, Bongseop & Lee, Jungmin, 2025. "Why do you like or dislike your job?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:94:y:2025:i:c:s0927537125000454
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2025.102718
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions

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