Teaching Labor Laws: Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial in South Africa

A-Tier
Journal: American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
Year: 2021
Volume: 13
Issue: 4
Pages: 125-49

Authors (2)

Marianne Bertrand (University of Chicago) Bruno Crépon (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We assess whether imperfect knowledge of labor regulation hinders job creation at small and medium-sized firms. We partner with a labor law expert organization that provides information about labor regulation via newsletters and access to a specialized website. We randomly assign 1,800 firms to get access to this service for a 21-week period. Six months later, the average employment level at treatment firms was 12 percent higher than at control firms. The intervention decreased the perception that labor regulation is a constraint to hiring and increased optimal employment level.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aejapp:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:125-49
Journal Field
General
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-24