Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/235699 
Year of Publication: 
2021
Series/Report no.: 
GLO Discussion Paper No. 895
Publisher: 
Global Labor Organization (GLO), Essen
Abstract: 
Recent studies on the economic effects of works councils in Germany using the European Company Survey estimate a significant negative effect of works councils on establishment productivity and profitability. These results are in stark contrast to studies using the IAB Establishment Panel estimating a significant positive effect of works councils on establishment productivity and profitability. This article scrutinises these empirical approaches. While sample selection and control variables have a substantial impact on the magnitude of marginal effects, the definition of the dependent variable as an objective or subjective measure causes the opposing signs. Beyond that, similar measures in both datasets lead to comparable marginal effects highlighting the relevance of the definition of the dependent variable for inferences and interpretation of studies about the effectiveness of industrial relations institutions and raising questions about the validity of the performance measures.
Subjects: 
works councils
codetermination
profitability
JEL: 
J53
M54
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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