Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/33612 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 1709
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
The model developed in this paper explains differences in the division of labour across firms as a result of computer technology adoption. We find that changes in the division of labour can result both from reduced production time and from improved communication possibilities. The first shifts the division of labour towards a more generic structure, while the latter enhances specialisation. Although there exists heterogeneity, our estimates for a representative sample of Dutch establishments in the period 1990-1996 suggest that productivity gains have been the main determinant for shifts in the division of labour within most firms. These productivity gains have induced skill upgrading, while in firms gaining mainly from improved communication possibilities specialisation increased and skill requirements have fallen.
Subjects: 
division of labour
wage level and structure
technological change
computerisation of the labour market
JEL: 
J31
O15
O33
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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