@techreport{CaliendoCobbClarkPfeiferetal.2022,
  type      = {Working Paper},
  author    = {Caliendo, Marco and Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. and Pfeifer, Harald and Uhlendorff, Arne and Wehner, Caroline},
  title     = {Managers' Risk Preferences and Firm Training Investments},
  series = {CEPA Discussion Papers},
  journal   = {CEPA Discussion Papers},
  number    = {44},
  issn      = {2628-653X},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-53843},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-538439},
  pages     = {45},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {We provide the first estimates of the impact of managers' risk preferences on their training allocation decisions. Our conceptual framework links managers' risk preferences to firms' training decisions through the bonuses they expect to receive. Risk-averse managers are expected to select workers with low turnover risk and invest in specific rather than general training. Empirical evidence supporting these predictions is provided using a novel vignette study embedded in a nationally representative survey of firm managers. Risk-tolerant and risk-averse decision makers have significantly different training preferences. Risk aversion results in increased sensitivity to turnover risk. Managers who are risk-averse offer significantly less general training and, in some cases, are more reluctant to train workers with a history of job mobility. All managers, irrespective of their risk preferences, are sensitive to the investment risk associated with training, avoiding training that is more costly or targets those with less occupational expertise or nearing retirement. This suggests the risks of training are primarily due to the risk that trained workers will leave the firm (turnover risk) rather than the risk that the benefits of training do not outweigh the costs (investment risk).},
  language  = {en}
}
@techreport{CaliendoCobbClarkObstetal.2020,
  type      = {Working Paper},
  author    = {Caliendo, Marco and Cobb-Clark, Deborah A. and Obst, Cosima and Uhlendorff, Arne},
  title     = {Risk Preferences and Training Investments},
  series = {CEPA Discussion Papers},
  journal   = {CEPA Discussion Papers},
  number    = {23},
  issn      = {2628-653X},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-48092},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-480927},
  pages     = {35},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {We analyze workers' risk preferences and training investments. Our conceptual framework differentiates between the investment risk and insurance mechanisms underpinning training decisions. Investment risk leads risk-averse workers to train less; they undertake more training if it insures them against future losses. We use the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) to demonstrate that risk affinity is associated with more training, implying that, on average, investment risks dominate the insurance benefits of training. Crucially, this relationship is evident only for general training; there is no relationship between risk attitudes and specific training. Thus, as expected, risk preferences matter more when skills are transferable - and workers have a vested interest in training outcomes - than when they are not. Finally, we provide evidence that the insurance benefits of training are concentrated among workers with uncertain employment relationships or limited access to public insurance schemes.},
  language  = {en}
}