Work and family programs and productivity: Estimates applying a production function model

doi:10.1108/01437720410570036

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International Journal of Manpower

ISSN: 0143-7720

Online from: 1980

Subject Area: Economics

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Work and family programs and productivity: Estimates applying a production function model

Document Information:
Title:	Work and family programs and productivity: Estimates applying a production function model
Author(s):	Thomas J. Clifton, (North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, USA), Edward Shepard, (Le Moyne College, Syracuse, New York, USA)
Citation:	Thomas J. Clifton, Edward Shepard, (2004) "Work and family programs and productivity: Estimates applying a production function model", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 25 Iss: 8, pp.714 - 728
Keywords:	Economics, Family friendly organizations, Labour market, Productivity rate, United States of America
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/01437720410570036 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	This paper provides statistical evidence about the effect of work and family programs on productivity using a sample of large Fortune 500 companies in 30 industries in the US economy. Cross-sectional firm-level data on work and family programs are combined with financial data on companies to estimate production functions. Alternative specifications and estimation techniques are applied, including ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares, with controls or corrections for union status, capital quality, heteroskedasticity, and possible endogeneity of company work-family programs. The empirical results suggest that work-family support programs succeed in improving productivity. The positive effects on firm performance may help to explain the growth and spread of work and family programs among US corporations in recent years. Further research is needed to evaluate the economic costs of work and family programs and to identify the mechanisms whereby work and family programs result in improved productivity.