Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/233211 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
JRC Working Papers Series on Labour, Education and Technology No. 2021/06
Publisher: 
European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Seville
Abstract: 
This paper discusses the returns to non-cognitive skills based on results of a meta-analysis. The systematic literature review of articles published in the last decade and analysing labour market outcomes and non-cognitive skills allowed us to extract more than 300 estimates linking earnings and non-cognitive skills, most often measured by the Big Five inventory. The results of meta-analysis point to heterogeneity in the estimated signs and significance of a particular non-cognitive skill. We observe that conscientiousness and openness are two personality traits that bring higher earnings, while agreeableness and neuroticism (low emotional stability) are associated with receiving lower earnings. Some gender differences are also observed. Older and female participants seemed to benefit more from programmes targeted at developing non-cognitive skills than younger participants and men. However, there is a positive selection of female participants to enrol to programmes with better prospects (e.g. longer in duration).
Subjects: 
Big Five
Meta-analysis
Non-cognitive skills
Earnings
Programme effectiveness
Returns
Creative Commons License: 
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Document Type: 
Working Paper

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