Why Do Tougher Caseworkers Increase Employment? The Role of Program Assignment as a Causal Mechanism
研究发现，对失业者态度更严格的个案工作者反而更能促进就业，但这种效果并非来自更有效的项目组合，而可能源于制裁威胁和施压等咨询过程的其他方面。
Previous research found that less accommodating caseworkers are more successful in placing unemployed workers into employment. This paper explores the causal mechanisms behind this result using semiparametric mediation analysis. Analyzing rich linked job seeker-caseworker data for Switzerland, we find that the positive employment effects of less accommodating caseworkers are not driven by a particularly effective mix of labor market programs but, rather, by other dimensions of the counseling process, possibly including threats of sanctions and pressure to accept jobs.