The retention effect of training: Portability, visibility, and credibility1
利用德国雇主-雇员面板数据，分析培训的可携带性、可见性和可信度如何共同影响员工留在培训企业的概率，发现这些特征会削弱但未完全抵消培训的保留效应。
This paper analyses the effect of training participation on employees’ retention in the training establishment. On the basis of the human capital and monopsony theories the effect of portability, visibility, and credibility of training on employee retention is jointly calculated. We use an extensive German linked employer–employee panel data set with detailed survey information on the training history and administrative labour market information of 4318 employees working in 149 establishments (WeLL-ADIAB). In multivariate panel regressions including internal instruments we compare the probability of staying with the same employer between training participants and employees who were by chance unable to participate in a planned training event. The high portability of training contents and training visibility provided by training certificates reduce the retention effect of training independently. Retention is reduced further when training content is reported credibly, that is, it is provided and certified by external institutions. However, the total effect of portable, visible, and credible training on retention is still positive. This paper therefore implies that employers can reap a double dividend of higher productivity and increased retention even from general, visible, and credible training.