The Determinants of Overeducation: Different Measures, Different Outcomes?

Dieter Verhaest and Eddy Omey

Working Papers of Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University, Belgium from Ghent University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration

Abstract: Purpose of the paper - To assess the sensitivity of the estimated determinants of overeducation to the used overeducation measure. Design/Methodology/Approach - We analyse the determinants of overeducation among Flemish school leavers in their first job by means of probit regression analysis. Overeducation is measured on the basis of job analysis, self-assessments and realised matches. Findings - Our results demonstrate that the application of different overeducation measures sometimes leads to different outcomes. Only a few variables – for instance the student’s academic grade in the final year – are consistently found to be important for the explanation of overeducation. Some outcomes are consistent with the supposition that some indicators actually measure other concepts. Research limitations/Implications - Further research using job analysis measures that are based on alternative and more recent occupational classifications would be useful. Practical Implications - Measuring overeducation in various ways is recommendable to make reliable conclusions. At least, a careful consideration of the extent to which the measure used really captures overeducation is needed. Originality/Value - The application of different measures provides further insight into the overeducation measurement problem.

Keywords: mismatch; overqualification; underemployment; measurement error (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 34 pages
Date: 2009-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-lab
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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Related works:
Journal Article: The determinants of overeducation: different measures, different outcomes? (2010)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:rug:rugwps:09/592

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