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Horizontal Transfer and Promotion: New Evidence and an Interpretation from the Perspective of Task-Specific Human Capital

Author

Listed:
  • Masaru Sasaki

    (Osaka University and IZA)

  • Katsuya Takii

    (Osaka University)

  • Junmin Wan

    (Fukuoka University)

Abstract

This paper provides new evidence about horizontal transfer and promotion using the largest available personnel panel data in Japan and interprets them from the perspective of task-specific human capital. We find that firms synchronize their employees' promotion and horizontal transfers. Then, we show theoretically that task-specific human capital can naturally generate such synchronization. We also find that the directors in an accounting department have the highest probability of being promoted to become board members, while those in a research department have the lowest. This suggests that top managers need a balanced skill set, in which allocative skill is relatively important.

Suggested Citation

  • Masaru Sasaki & Katsuya Takii & Junmin Wan, 2012. "Horizontal Transfer and Promotion: New Evidence and an Interpretation from the Perspective of Task-Specific Human Capital," OSIPP Discussion Paper 12E006, Osaka School of International Public Policy, Osaka University.
    • Handle: RePEc:osp:wpaper:12e006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Takii, Katsuya & Sasaki, Masaru & Wan, Junmin, 2020. "Synchronized job transfer and task-specific human capital," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 56(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Rotation; Promotion and Task-Specific Human Capital;

    JEL classification:

    • J62 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Job, Occupational and Intergenerational Mobility; Promotion
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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