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Non-market Leadership Experience and Labor Market Success: Evidence From Military Rank

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  • Myoung-Jae Lee

    (School of Economics and Social Sciences, Singapore Management University)

  • Yip Chun Seng

    (School of Economics and Social Sciences, Singapore Management University)

Abstract

There has been much recent interest in the effects of pre and non-market skills on future labor market outcomes. This paper examines one such effect: the effect on future wages of military leadership experience among "Vietnam generation" American men. We study rank, not just veteran status. We argue that rank is a good measure of pre-market leadership skills because of the clear military hierarchy and the primarily youth experience of Vietnam service. Two sources of selection bias are accounted for: non-random military entry and eventual rank attained. We apply a modified 2-stage parametric sample selection method. The rank premia on future wages are estimated using the parametric selection corrections and a propensity score matching with two indices. We find evidence of a leadership premium, but not a veterans'premium. It is the rank that matters. If one joins the military believing that military service commands a future wage premium, he had better become an NCO or an officer.

Suggested Citation

  • Myoung-Jae Lee & Yip Chun Seng, 2005. "Non-market Leadership Experience and Labor Market Success: Evidence From Military Rank," Working Papers 12-2005, Singapore Management University, School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:siu:wpaper:12-2005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J10 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - General

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