Systemic Flexibility and Human Capital Development: The Relationship between Non-Standard Employment and Workplace Training

Quaderni - Working Paper DSE N° 1019

40 Pages Posted: 24 Jul 2015

See all articles by Giovanni Guidetti

Giovanni Guidetti

University of Bologna - Department of Economics

Giulio Pedrini

University of Bologna; School of Development Innovation and Change (SDIC)

Date Written: July 23, 2015

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the relationship between non-standard contracts (part-time, fixed-term) and workplace training by discussing the implications of two different theoretical frameworks grounding on human capital theory and strategic management, respectively. To achieve this purpose we develop alternative hypothesis on the association between the presence of non-standard workers and four different outcome variables related to workplace training and job-related practices. By using data on Italian firms we get different results according to the type of non-standard contract and training. Part-time and temporary contracts carry out distinct functions with respect to off-the job training as far as labour flexibility is concerned. On the other hand, although non-standard work seems to be unrelated to on-the-job training decisions, this is not the case when the overall number of job-related practices is taken into account. Overall, our evidence can reflect the decision to substitute off-the-job training with job-related practices in presence of part-time workers. Conversely, the recourse to temporary employment can be associated with the need to enhance systemic flexibility throughout the organization.

Keywords: training, non-standard employment, human capital, flexibility

JEL Classification: J24, M53, M54

Suggested Citation

Guidetti, Giovanni and Pedrini, Giulio, Systemic Flexibility and Human Capital Development: The Relationship between Non-Standard Employment and Workplace Training (July 23, 2015). Quaderni - Working Paper DSE N° 1019, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2634966 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2634966

Giovanni Guidetti (Contact Author)

University of Bologna - Department of Economics ( email )

Strada Maggiore 45
Bologna, 40125
Italy

Giulio Pedrini

University of Bologna ( email )

Strada Maggiore 45
Bologna, 40100
Italy

School of Development Innovation and Change (SDIC) ( email )

C/O Studio Busuoli
Via dele Lame, 39
Bologna, 40122
Italy

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