a column by Brian Varian for VOX: CEPR’s Policy Portal
Brexit has sparked interest in trade agreements between Britain and the Commonwealth. This has a precedent in the Edwardian era, when the Dominions adopted policies of imperial preference toward imports from Britain. This column argues that New Zealand’s policy of imperial preference, enacted in 1903, was ineffective in diverting trade toward Britain, suggesting that trade policies within the British Empire or Commonwealth do not always achieve what they intend.
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Showing posts with label New_Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New_Zealand. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 June 2018
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Skill composition of immigration flows and the measurement of education-occupation mismatch
an article by Jacques Poot (University of Waikato and IZA-Institute for the Study of Labor) and Steven Stillman (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and IZA-Institute for the Study of Labor) published in IZA Journal of Migration Volume 5 Article 18 (2016)
Abstract
Recent papers have found that often immigrants are overqualified relative to native-born workers when comparing an individual’s education to the ‘average’ education in their occupation. We show that these results are sensitive to differences in the education distribution between immigrants and the native born.
Using data for New Zealand, which has an immigration policy that favours skilled immigrants, we find that this approach leads one to conclude that immigrants are, on average, overqualified for their occupation. However, once we account for the fact that immigrants are on average more skilled than natives, we find that immigrants are, in fact, less over-educated than natives.
JEL classification: F22, J21, J61
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Abstract
Recent papers have found that often immigrants are overqualified relative to native-born workers when comparing an individual’s education to the ‘average’ education in their occupation. We show that these results are sensitive to differences in the education distribution between immigrants and the native born.
Using data for New Zealand, which has an immigration policy that favours skilled immigrants, we find that this approach leads one to conclude that immigrants are, on average, overqualified for their occupation. However, once we account for the fact that immigrants are on average more skilled than natives, we find that immigrants are, in fact, less over-educated than natives.
JEL classification: F22, J21, J61
Full text (HTML)
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
Participation and equity in higher education: are we going back to the future?
an article by Linda Leach (Massey University, New Zealand) published in Oxford Review of Education Volume 39 Issue 2 (April 2013)
Abstract
This article provides an overview of policy developments related to participation and equity in higher education in New Zealand, England and Australia from the 1960s to 2011. It explores these developments in four sections.
First, it sets the scene by tracing the shift from elite universities to massification.
Second, it summarises key participation and equity policy developments between the 1960s and 2008 in the three countries to set the context for the post-global financial crisis developments.
It then traces the different policy responses to the financial crisis, identifying Australia’s pathway as different from those taken in New Zealand and England.
Fourth, it explores the success of these policies, identifies a change in the equity discourse and considers some strategic institutional responses to the changing policies in each country and the likely effects of those.
It argues that the austerity approaches taken by New Zealand and England are likely to take them back to a future of selective, elite universities but that Australia may continue its counter-cyclical policies to support equity objectives – unless there is a change of government and/or pressures from rapidly increasing enrolments produce policy change.
Abstract
This article provides an overview of policy developments related to participation and equity in higher education in New Zealand, England and Australia from the 1960s to 2011. It explores these developments in four sections.
First, it sets the scene by tracing the shift from elite universities to massification.
Second, it summarises key participation and equity policy developments between the 1960s and 2008 in the three countries to set the context for the post-global financial crisis developments.
It then traces the different policy responses to the financial crisis, identifying Australia’s pathway as different from those taken in New Zealand and England.
Fourth, it explores the success of these policies, identifies a change in the equity discourse and considers some strategic institutional responses to the changing policies in each country and the likely effects of those.
It argues that the austerity approaches taken by New Zealand and England are likely to take them back to a future of selective, elite universities but that Australia may continue its counter-cyclical policies to support equity objectives – unless there is a change of government and/or pressures from rapidly increasing enrolments produce policy change.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Towards a learning identity: young people becoming learners after leaving school
an article by Jane Higgins (AERU, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand) published in Research in Post-Compulsory Education Volume 18 Issue 1-2 (2013)
Abstract
This article explores the development of learning identities among 51 young New Zealanders who left school with few or no qualifications. Most experienced a period of time after leaving school when they were not in education, employment or training (known as NEET).
At the time of this research all had moved into a learning environment of some kind.
The development of learning identities involved the explicit rejection of their former NEET identities and was facilitated by aspects of their current learning environment, particularly relationships with tutors and fellow students and styles of learning that differed from their school experiences. Within this context the young people were able to think about crafting future pathways into further education and employment.
The article concludes with a discussion of current policy directions that attempt to reintegrate these young people into a school-like system, a process that may be unhelpful for them.
Abstract
This article explores the development of learning identities among 51 young New Zealanders who left school with few or no qualifications. Most experienced a period of time after leaving school when they were not in education, employment or training (known as NEET).
At the time of this research all had moved into a learning environment of some kind.
The development of learning identities involved the explicit rejection of their former NEET identities and was facilitated by aspects of their current learning environment, particularly relationships with tutors and fellow students and styles of learning that differed from their school experiences. Within this context the young people were able to think about crafting future pathways into further education and employment.
The article concludes with a discussion of current policy directions that attempt to reintegrate these young people into a school-like system, a process that may be unhelpful for them.
Monday, 11 March 2013
Reclaiming the disengaged: reform of New Zealand’s vocational education and training and social welfare systems
an article by Rob Strathdee (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) published in Research in Post-Compulsory Education Volume 18 Issue 1-2 (2013)
Abstract
This paper uses Habermas’ theory of the state and his idea of legitimation crisis to critically evaluate recent reforms in New Zealand designed to engage young people (16–24 years of age) in paid employment and/or education and training.
The paper identifies three broad strategies adopted by the state to reclaim the disengaged and hence, resolve the crisis of legitimation.
These are motivational, punishing and bridging.
Motivational strategies are designed to reclaim the disengaged by encouraging young people to adopt dispositions favourable to economic conditions of the time. If successful, young people will work hard to build their human capital in ways conducive to the needs of the economy.
Punishing (or work-first) strategies are designed to reduce welfare dependence by making benefits harder to gain in the first instance and reducing entitlement where beneficiaries do not undertake mandated activities (such as looking for work).
Finally, bridging strategies attempt to create links between job-seekers and recruiting employers.
The paper argues that while these strategies will deliver short-term gains (for the state), the fact that they tighten the connection between the current labour market and education, means that over the longer term, crisis tendencies will remain.
Abstract
This paper uses Habermas’ theory of the state and his idea of legitimation crisis to critically evaluate recent reforms in New Zealand designed to engage young people (16–24 years of age) in paid employment and/or education and training.
The paper identifies three broad strategies adopted by the state to reclaim the disengaged and hence, resolve the crisis of legitimation.
These are motivational, punishing and bridging.
Motivational strategies are designed to reclaim the disengaged by encouraging young people to adopt dispositions favourable to economic conditions of the time. If successful, young people will work hard to build their human capital in ways conducive to the needs of the economy.
Punishing (or work-first) strategies are designed to reduce welfare dependence by making benefits harder to gain in the first instance and reducing entitlement where beneficiaries do not undertake mandated activities (such as looking for work).
Finally, bridging strategies attempt to create links between job-seekers and recruiting employers.
The paper argues that while these strategies will deliver short-term gains (for the state), the fact that they tighten the connection between the current labour market and education, means that over the longer term, crisis tendencies will remain.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Heterogeneous Firm Responses to Rising Teenage Wages
an article by Dean R. Hyslop, David C. Maré, Steven Stillman and Jason Timmins (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) published in LABOUR Volume 26 Issue 4 (December 2012)
Abstract
Substantial youth minimum wage changes in New Zealand between 2000 and 2007 raised teenage average wages by 5-10 per cent relative to those for adults.
We use Statistics New Zealand’s Linked Employer-Employee Database (LEED) to examine whether firms’ teenage labour demand responses to these changes are greater for firms with higher teenage-employment share.
We find evidence that high teen-employers reduced their teen employment relative to other firms and had lower survival rates over the period.
However, firms that entered the main teen-employment industries had higher teen-employment shares than continuing firms. The results are consistent with endogenous technology adoption in response to non-marginal changes in relative wages.
JEL classifications: J21, J23, J31, J38
Abstract
Substantial youth minimum wage changes in New Zealand between 2000 and 2007 raised teenage average wages by 5-10 per cent relative to those for adults.
We use Statistics New Zealand’s Linked Employer-Employee Database (LEED) to examine whether firms’ teenage labour demand responses to these changes are greater for firms with higher teenage-employment share.
We find evidence that high teen-employers reduced their teen employment relative to other firms and had lower survival rates over the period.
However, firms that entered the main teen-employment industries had higher teen-employment shares than continuing firms. The results are consistent with endogenous technology adoption in response to non-marginal changes in relative wages.
JEL classifications: J21, J23, J31, J38
Monday, 5 November 2012
A career journey: an auto-ethnographic insight
an article by Irene Ryan, (AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand) published in Gender in Management: An International Journal Volume 27 Issue 8 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the use of an auto-ethnographic life history can provide rich, original data to critically analyse the interplay between the socially constructed self, a career journey over time and societal change.
Design/methodology/approach
A reflexive auto-ethnography is used as a conduit to explore a career journey. The author draws on the fluidity of ageing to make visible gendered organisational processes. The setting is New Zealand.
Findings
To understand the interplay of a career journey through a life history approach and intersectional analysis reinforces the life-long significance of gender with ageing.
Originality/value
The author suggests that by reflecting on the complex interplay of one’s own life through an intersectional approach can add a further dimension to scholarly thinking on the “doing” of intersectionality when considering the career journey of others.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the use of an auto-ethnographic life history can provide rich, original data to critically analyse the interplay between the socially constructed self, a career journey over time and societal change.
Design/methodology/approach
A reflexive auto-ethnography is used as a conduit to explore a career journey. The author draws on the fluidity of ageing to make visible gendered organisational processes. The setting is New Zealand.
Findings
To understand the interplay of a career journey through a life history approach and intersectional analysis reinforces the life-long significance of gender with ageing.
Originality/value
The author suggests that by reflecting on the complex interplay of one’s own life through an intersectional approach can add a further dimension to scholarly thinking on the “doing” of intersectionality when considering the career journey of others.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Can Facebook be an effective mechanism for generating growth and value in small businesses?
an article by John L. Hopkins, (School of Management and Information Systems, Institute for Supply Chain and Logistics, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia) published in Journal of Systems and Information Technology Volume 14 Issue 2 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
Online social networks (OSNs) offer organisations direct access to a plethora of information about their networks of connections and provide the means by which to create two-way, business-to-consumer (B2C), information channels. Instead of traditional impersonal and one-direction advertising, organisations can establish a personal and two-way communication medium, by accepting members and having friends on these platforms. This paper aims to discuss the phenomenon of OSNs, and in particular Facebook, and examine whether they can be employed by small businesses as a resource for growth and adding value.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study is presented that examines how a small business in New Zealand, specialising in the distribution of products that help babies and toddlers sleep through the night, has adopted Facebook as a tool for engaging with its largely stay-at-home customer base. This examination of The Sleep Store is an impartial study based on findings collected over a period of several months, via a series of interviews supplemented by telephone conversations and e-mail exchanges, with representatives from the case organisation.
Findings
The Sleep Store’s adoption of Facebook was found to offer the business both direct and indirect value. That is direct value, based on the value of transactions, quantified by the increase in turnover experienced through connecting with new customers, and organisational growth; and the indirect value of word-of-mouth, positive recommendations and the relative influence that Facebook community members exert on each other, which enable valuable new insights to be made into their business ecosystem.
Research limitations/implications
While the adoption of Facebook in this instance has been found to be an undoubted success it does not, however, suggest that such impressive results would necessarily be expected by all small businesses adopting Facebook in this way. The nature of this business, and their customer base, are an important contributing factor to the overall success of this project.
Practical implications
The findings of this study highlight potential opportunities for small businesses adopting Facebook as an additional sales channel or tool for leveraging new information about their market.
Originality/value
This is original academic research, designed to make a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature, on how small businesses are benefiting from the availability of OSNs.
Abstract
Purpose
Online social networks (OSNs) offer organisations direct access to a plethora of information about their networks of connections and provide the means by which to create two-way, business-to-consumer (B2C), information channels. Instead of traditional impersonal and one-direction advertising, organisations can establish a personal and two-way communication medium, by accepting members and having friends on these platforms. This paper aims to discuss the phenomenon of OSNs, and in particular Facebook, and examine whether they can be employed by small businesses as a resource for growth and adding value.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study is presented that examines how a small business in New Zealand, specialising in the distribution of products that help babies and toddlers sleep through the night, has adopted Facebook as a tool for engaging with its largely stay-at-home customer base. This examination of The Sleep Store is an impartial study based on findings collected over a period of several months, via a series of interviews supplemented by telephone conversations and e-mail exchanges, with representatives from the case organisation.
Findings
The Sleep Store’s adoption of Facebook was found to offer the business both direct and indirect value. That is direct value, based on the value of transactions, quantified by the increase in turnover experienced through connecting with new customers, and organisational growth; and the indirect value of word-of-mouth, positive recommendations and the relative influence that Facebook community members exert on each other, which enable valuable new insights to be made into their business ecosystem.
Research limitations/implications
While the adoption of Facebook in this instance has been found to be an undoubted success it does not, however, suggest that such impressive results would necessarily be expected by all small businesses adopting Facebook in this way. The nature of this business, and their customer base, are an important contributing factor to the overall success of this project.
Practical implications
The findings of this study highlight potential opportunities for small businesses adopting Facebook as an additional sales channel or tool for leveraging new information about their market.
Originality/value
This is original academic research, designed to make a valuable contribution to the growing body of literature, on how small businesses are benefiting from the availability of OSNs.
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