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Economic Crisis and Job Quality in Spain: A Multi-dimensional and Micro-data Empirical Approach

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Abstract

Through a representative sample of 9,100 and 8,755 employees in 2008 and 2010, and a using two-stage structural equation model, this article empirically analyses the multi-dimensional determinants (direct effects) of job quality in Spain. The research concludes that: #1 despite the economic crisis, job quality improved over the analysis period; #2 there was a shift in job quality explanation towards a more complete model with greater preponderance of the dimensions connected with the workplace relationships, work intensity, working conditions and work–life balance in detriment to dimensions connected with the intrinsic job quality and extrinsic rewards. These results suggest the importance of the working environment and social relationships, beyond the quality of the workplace, as important tools of employment public policy to improve labor markets and to overcoming the economic crisis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Applied Economics Department, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain

    Ángel Díaz-Chao

  2. Internet Interdisciplinary Institute, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

    Ángel Díaz-Chao

  3. Economics and Business Studies and Internet Interdisciplinary Institute, Open University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain

    Pilar Ficapal-Cusí

  4. Business School and Internet Interdisciplinary Institute, Open University of Catalonia, MediaTIC Building, Roc Boronat Road, 117, 6th Floor, 08018, Barcelona, Spain

    Joan Torrent-Sellens

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  1. Ángel Díaz-Chao
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  2. Pilar Ficapal-Cusí
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  3. Joan Torrent-Sellens
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Correspondence to Joan Torrent-Sellens.

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Díaz-Chao, Á., Ficapal-Cusí, P. & Torrent-Sellens, J. Economic Crisis and Job Quality in Spain: A Multi-dimensional and Micro-data Empirical Approach. Soc Indic Res 125, 613–633 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-014-0850-0

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