Active labour market policy and its outcomes

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of workfare programme participation on self-efficacy, because many studies suggest that sufficient self-efficacy is essential for successful job search in modern labour markets. Design/methodology/approach -The paper analyses an exemplary German workfare programme' the so-called "One-Euro-Jobs" programme and examines whether participation in this programme improved the self-efficacy of participants. The analyses are based on survey data (Panel Study Labour Market and Social Security) that were combined with administrative records of the Statistics Department of the German Federal Employment Agency to obtain more reliable information on programme participation. To detect causal effects of participation, the authors apply propensity score matching. Findings -The findings show that participants' self-efficacy, on average, was not improved by programme participation. Also, no well-determined positive effects of programme participation were found when controlling for the individual baseline level of self-efficacy. Practical implications -The findings suggest that workfare programme participation did not fulfil several of the psychological functions of work necessary to enhance participants' self-efficacy. The authors suggest a two-step approach to enhancing individuals' self-efficacy and their job-search abilities: in the first step, workfare participation aims to improve employability; in the second step, participants can learn the extent to which they have become ready to work in a regular subsidised job. Originality/value -Various studies examine the effect of workfare programme participation on employment prospects, well-being, health or social participation. Within the discourse on active labour market policy, this paper is the first to study the effect of workfare programme participation on self-efficacy.

Impact of Community Service on Latent Deprivation of Social Assistance Recipients

“…The study results show that community service does not increase self-reported mental health and decreases mental complaints. The absence of change in mental health is consistent with Tisch and Wolff's (2015) findings how community service is not associated with selfefficacy. However, other research found that participants' life satisfaction and affective well-being are higher during community service and explained by its temporary and voluntary nature (Knabe et al, 2017).…”

“…It would be worth further exploration to see whether changes in mental health require more extensive participation in community service or intensive and multicomponent support. Previous findings show efficient employment policy interventions include nondegrading activities, enhancing employability skills, and increasing employment opportunities (Strandh, 2001;Wulfgramm, 2011;Tisch & Wolff, 2015). To understand the underlying mechanisms under which latent benefits of work get strengthened, we recommend that further research delineate several specific intervention groups and explore clients' experiences during community service.…”

“…The study hypotheses are based on Jahoda’s (1982) latent deprivation model, which provides one of the fundamental explanations for the positive relationship between employment and mental health. The current study also responds to the recommendation of Tisch and Wolff (2015) that suggested future research should include a design that enables conclusions on whether community service can offer unemployed access to latent benefits of work. Previous research usually explored services that provide symbolic compensation and provided mixed findings: from improving self-efficacy and impairing a sense of autonomy (Tisch & Wolff, 2015; Warburton & Smith, 2003) to mitigating some of the adverse effects of unemployment (Carter & Whitworth, 2017; Creed & Klisch, 2005; Paul & Batinic, 2010).…”

Expressing and responding to self-efficacy in meetings between clients and social work professionals

“…Also focusing on professionals' role in developing clients' self-efficacy, Blankertz et al (2004) present a model that focuses on developing self-efficacy through the alliance between counsellor and patient. While other studies have indicated positive (Creed, Bloxsome, and Johnston 2001) as well as non-significant (Tisch and Wolf 2015) effects of specific programmes on clients' self-efficacy, the research of both Blankertz et al (2004) and McDonald and Marston (2008) indicates the importance of the interaction with individual professionals for supporting and developing self-efficacy.…”

Activation policies in action

“…From this point of view, several studies have shown the existence of a relationship between participation in activation programmes and the creation of new social ties (Anderson, 2009). Other scholars have analysed the relations among labour market policies and life satisfaction (Wulfgramm, 2014), well-being (Sage, 2014), self-efficacy (Tisch and Wolff, 2015), and social marginalisation (Breidahl and Clement, 2010). The relations can depend on various factors, such as different types of activation regimes and activation interventions (Carter and Whitworth, 2016).…”