Separating Introduction Effects from Selectivity Effects: The Differences in Employment Patterns of Codetermined Firms

Abstract

This study examines differences in employment growth between firms with and without works councils by separating introduction effects from potential selectivity effects. Using a difference‐in‐differences framework, we show that firms with works councils have higher employment growth before adopting a works council. However, employment growth declines after introduction. We identify the reason for lower employment growth in reduced hiring rates, while dismissal rates remain constant.