The division of labour, worker organisation, and technological change

Arbeitspapier

The model developed in this paper explains differences in the division of labour across firms as a result of computer technology adoption. We find that changes in the division of labour can result both from reduced production time and from improved communication possibilities. The first shifts the division of labour towards a more generic structure, while the latter enhances specialisation. Although there exists heterogeneity, our estimates for a representative sample of Dutch establishments in the period 1990-1996 suggest that productivity gains have been the main determinant for shifts in the division of labour within most firms. These productivity gains have induced skill upgrading, while in firms gaining mainly from improved communication possibilities specialisation increased and skill requirements have fallen.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 1709

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials ; Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration ; Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
• Subject: division of labour ; wage level and structure ; technological change ; computerisation of the labour market

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Borghans, Lex ; ter Weel, Bas
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2005

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/33612
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET