The overqualification of Canadian workers.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 268
Description: Chapter Five examines the relationship between overqualification and job satisfaction. Consistent with employers' perceptions, and theories of relative deprivation such as Adams' equity theory, overqualification is found to reduce job satisfaction.Chapter Seven considers the relationship between overqualification on job search. Reflective of the sub-optimal job match, overqualified workers are found to have heightened levels of job search. Results suggest that numerous firm-level practices can reduce active job search.This thesis examines the determinants, and consequences, of overqualification. Three implications of overqualification are explored: job satisfaction, earnings, and job search behaviour. Two Canadian surveys provide the data for empirical analyses.Chapter Four examines the determinants of overqualification. Numerous competing theoretical explanations are compared including human capital theory, matching theory, career mobility theory, and conflict theory. Results provide greatest support for matching theory whereas the career mobility hypothesis receives little support. Visible minorities and recent immigrants are found to have heightened levels of overqualification.Chapter Eight concludes the thesis with a brief recapitulation of the empirical analyses. Overall costs of overqualification are estimated. Government and employer actions to reduce the prevalence and costs of overqualification are suggested.Chapter Two discusses four mismatch concepts: underemployment, overqualification, skills underutilization, and overeducation. It describes the multidimensional nature of underemployment and the relatively narrow meaning of overeducation. Four operationalizations of overeducation are discussed with strengths and weaknesses highlighted.Chapter Three contrasts recent Canadian surveys that can potentially be used for empirical analyses. Data sets are judged on the quality of questions related to mismatch, job satisfaction, earnings, and turnover intentions.Chapter Six examines the association between mismatch and earnings. The earnings of overqualified workers and workers whose jobs are unrelated to their education are significantly reduced. Workers who simultaneously experience both forms of mismatch are found to have dramatically reduced earnings.The introductory chapter describes the increasing prevalence of overqualification in Canada. It describes how mismatch affects individual workers, employers, and the overall economy. It also outlines the thesis.
Notes: Advisers: Morley Gunderson; Douglas Hyatt.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 65-05, Section: A, page: 1983.
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