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Cultural Values and Productivity

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  • Andreas Ek

Abstract

This paper estimates differences in human capital as country-of-origin-specific labor productivity terms in firm production functions, making it immune to wage discrimination concerns. After accounting for education and experience, estimated human capital varies by a factor of around three between the 90th and the 10th percentile. When I investigate which country-of-origin characteristics most closely correlate with human capital, cultural values are the only robust predictor. This relationship persists among children of migrants. Consistent with a plausible cultural mechanism, individuals whose origin places a high value on autonomy hold a comparative advantage in positions characterized by a low degree of routinization.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Ek, 2024. "Cultural Values and Productivity," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 132(1), pages 295-335.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/726239
    DOI: 10.1086/726239
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    Cited by:

    1. Simone Bertoli & Melchior Clerc & Jordan Loper & Èric Roca Fernández, 2024. "Migration and the epidemiological approach: time and self-selection into foreign ancestries matter," Post-Print hal-04785817, HAL.
    2. Cheng, Mingying & Florio, Erminia & Manfredonia, Stefano, 2025. "Ancestors and corporate performance: Evidence from the Italian Mass Migration," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 76(C).

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