| Title: |
Pensions and Productivity. |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Dorsey, Stuart; Cornwell, Christopher; Macpherson, David; Upjohn (W.E.) Inst. for Employment Research, Kalamazoo, MI. |
| Availability: |
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 300 South Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (paperback: ISBN-0-88099-185-2, $13; hardcover: ISBN-0-88099-186-0, $23). |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
141 |
| Publication Date: |
1998 |
| Document Type: |
Book; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Adult Education; Early Retirement; Efficiency; Federal Government; Human Resources; Incentives; Job Training; Labor Market; Productivity; Public Policy; Retirement Benefits |
| Geographic Terms: |
U.S.; Michigan |
| ISBN: |
978-0-88099-185-8 |
| Abstract: |
This book analyzes the productivity theory of pensions. First, it reviews the history and institutional practices of private pensions and government policy. Chapter 1 discusses demand-side and supply-side perspectives on pensions, the significance of the productivity theory of pensions, and the organization of this book. Chapter 2 traces origins of private pensions and evolution of current coverage and discusses federal policies. Chapter 3 shows how workers who leave a job with a defined-benefit pension are penalized, presents advantages of defined-benefit plans in establishing retirement incentives, and discusses how defined-contribution plans may convey productive incentives. Second, the book considers whether pension incentives are consistent with models of internal labor markets. Chapter 4 reviews employment models in which specific training and monitoring costs generate job-specific productivity gains and compares pension incentives with ideal solutions. Third, the book evaluates empirical evidence that pensions promote productivity. Chapter 5 reviews empirical studies that test the pension-productivity hypothesis, which addresses the growing popularity of defined-contribution plans. It considers whether the declining market share of defined-benefit plans is evidence that pension incentives are no longer important. Chapter 6 tests one of the channels by which pensions may enhance worker productivity: by promoting investments in worker training. Chapter 7 reports direct estimates of productivity gains for firms that sponsor defined-benefit pensions. Chapter 8 presents a pension policy and research recommendations. (Appendixes contain 131 references and author and subject indexes.) (YLB) |
| Notes: |
Of particular interest to educators will be chapter 6: "Estimates of the Pension/Training Relationship" (p.73-91). |
| Journal Code: |
RIEOCT1998 |
| Entry Date: |
1998 |
| Accession Number: |
ED419092 |
| Database: |
ERIC |