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Training, Soft Skills and Productivity: Evidence from a Field Experiment

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Listed:
  • Prada, Maria

    (University of Maryland)

  • Rucci, Graciana

    (IADB)

  • Urzua, Sergio

    (University of Maryland)

Abstract

This paper examines a training intervention aimed at boosting leadership and communication skills among employees of a large Latin American retailer. The identification exploits an experimental design in the context of a difference-in-difference strategy. Using longitudinal information obtained from the firm and two skills surveys, we document large positive effects of the training on store- and individual- level productivity. The intervention was more effective in boosting leadership than communication skills. Spillovers from trained managers to untrained sales representatives also contribute to the main effects. Our findings confirm the possibility of increasing productivity through training targeting critical soft-skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Prada, Maria & Rucci, Graciana & Urzua, Sergio, 2019. "Training, Soft Skills and Productivity: Evidence from a Field Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 12447, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12447
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    Cited by:

    1. Dammert, Ana C. & Nansamba, Aisha, 2023. "Skills training and business outcomes: Experimental evidence from Liberia," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    2. Sauermann, Jan & Stenberg, Anders, 2020. "Assessing Selection Bias in Non-Experimental Estimates of the Returns to Workplace Training," IZA Discussion Papers 13789, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Sauermann, Jan, 2015. "Worker Reciprocity and the Returns to Training: Evidence from a Field Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 9179, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    socio-emotional skills; training; productivity; experiments with firms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M53 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Training
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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