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Non-cognitive mismatch and occupational switching

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  • DeLoach, Stephen B.
  • Kurt, Mark
  • Sansale, Rebecca

Abstract

The process by which workers and firms establish positive assortative matches is complicated by the multidimensional nature of occupational requirements and worker skills and traits. This is especially important for young adult workers because early career mismatch is known to have long-term impacts on labor market outcomes. This paper extends recent research on multidimensional mismatch to look more closely at the role of non-cognitive mismatch on occupational switching. We do this by using data on the ‘Big Five’ personality traits available in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Fixed effects estimates show that the responsiveness of occupational switching to non-cognitive mismatch appears to be at least as large as that for cognitive skill mismatch. Despite their responsiveness, workers appear to have more success improving their cognitive match than their non-cognitive match.

Suggested Citation

  • DeLoach, Stephen B. & Kurt, Mark & Sansale, Rebecca, 2022. "Non-cognitive mismatch and occupational switching," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:97:y:2022:i:c:s2214804322000222
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2022.101846
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    2. Luca Coraggio & Monica Langella & Armando Miano & Marco Pagano & Marco Stenborg Petterson & Vincenzo Petone & Annalisa Scognamiglio, 2024. "Mismatch in the 21st Century:An Overview," CSEF Working Papers 745, Centre for Studies in Economics and Finance (CSEF), University of Naples, Italy.

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