Implementing a Dual Income Tax in Germany – Effects on Labor Supply and Income Distribution

SummaryExisting quantitative studies on the impact of a dual income tax on the German economy usually are based on computable general equilibrium models. They assume one representative household. Their results are sensitive to one behavioral parameter, the labor supply elasticity, which is assumed to be given exogenously. This paper presents a microeconometric evaluation of the labor supply and distribution effects of a dual income tax in Germany based on a representative sample of the German population.We observe small positive effects on labor supply and a small increase in economic inequality.

Mikroökonometrische Evaluation der ökonomischen Wirkungen betrieblicher Mitbestimmung - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Matching-Ansatzes / Microeconometric Evaluation of Economic Effects of Workers Participation - Options und Limits of the Matching Approach

SummaryThe evaluation of economic effects of workers participation is not simple from the methodical point of view because of specific characteristics of establishments with works councils. Especially recent studies show contradictory results. In this study problems are pointed out, discussed, and options for solution are presented on the example of workers participation in East German establishments of industry and construction by the IAB-Establishment Panel.An optimal matching-algorithm which supplies good matching-results for small samples to assign ‘statistical establishment-twins’ is applied. But by reason of very short primarily spells it can only calculate short time effects. Therefore, the matching method is additionally used to construct longer observation periods. By this new application establishments with recently founded works councils are matched with so called ‘proxy establishments’ with existing works councils. As a result short observation periods are prolonged and information about long-term effects can be given.The effects on productivity, profitability and qualification level of employees show neither in short-term nor in long-term a significant impact on workers’ participation.