University of Ottawa, Canada, and IZA, Germany
IZA World of Labor role
Author
Current position
Professor, School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Canada
Research interest
Labor economics, demography, social policy
Positions/functions as a policy advisor
Consultant to World Bank, International Development Research Centre, Centre for Economic and Social Development (Myanmar)
Past positions
Sector Manager and Lead Economist, Human Development Unit, Europe and Central Asia Region, World Bank
Qualifications
PhD, University of California at Los Angeles, 1988
Selected publications
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Jobs and Development: Challenges and Solutions in Different Country Settings. London: Oxford University Press, 2016 (edited with M. Rama).
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“Labor market regulations: What do we know about their impacts in developing countries?” World Bank Research Observer 30:1 (2015): 124–153.
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“Do employment subsidies work? Evidence from regionally targeted subsidies in Turkey.” Labour Economics 17:4 (2010): 710–722 (with N. Meltem Daysal and C. Pagés).
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“The limited job prospects of displaced workers: Evidence from two cities in China.” Economic Change and Restructuring 41:3 (2008): 187–207 (with N.-H. Blunch).
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Designing labor market regulations in developing countries Updated
Labor market regulation should aim to improve the functioning of the labor market while protecting workers
Gordon Betcherman, September 2019Governments regulate employment to protect workers and improve labor market efficiency. But, regulations, such as minimum wages and job security rules, can be controversial. Thus, decisions on setting employment regulations should be based on empirical evidence of their likely impacts. Research suggests that most countries set regulations in the appropriate range. But this is not always the case and it can be costly when countries over- or underregulate their labor markets. In developing countries, effective regulation also depends on enforcement and education policies that will increase compliance.MoreLess