Locus of Control and Investment in Training

We extend standard models of work-related training by explicitly incorporating workers’ locus of control into the investment decision through the returns they expect. Our model predicts that higher internal control results in increased take-up of general, but not specific, training. This prediction...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Caliendo, M. (Author), Cobb-Clark, D.A (Author), Obst, C. (Author), Seitz, H. (Author), Uhlendorff, A. (Author)
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Wisconsin Press 2022
Online Access:View Fulltext in Publisher
Description
Summary:We extend standard models of work-related training by explicitly incorporating workers’ locus of control into the investment decision through the returns they expect. Our model predicts that higher internal control results in increased take-up of general, but not specific, training. This prediction is empirically validated using data from the German Socioeconomic Panel (SOEP). We provide empirical evidence that locus of control influences participation in training through its effect on workers’ expectations about future wage increases rather than actual wage increases. Our results provide an important explanation for underinvestment in training and suggest that those with an external sense of control may require additional training support. © 2022. by the Board of Regents of the University ofWisconsin System
ISBN:0022166X (ISSN)
DOI:10.3368/jhr.57.4.0318-9377R2