Locus of Control and Investment in Training

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Human Resources
Year: 2022
Volume: 57
Issue: 4

Authors (5)

Marco Caliendo (Universität Potsdam) Deborah A. Cobb-Clark (not in RePEc) Cosima Obst (not in RePEc) Helke Seitz (not in RePEc) Arne Uhlendorff (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und...)

Score contribution per author:

0.804 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

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

Abstract

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.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:uwp:jhriss:v:57:y:2022:i:4:p:1311-1349
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-01-25