Multidimensional measurement of precarious employment using hedonic weights: Evidence from Spain

• Published in: Journal of business research 2020-05, Vol.113, p.348-359
• Main Authors: García-Pérez, Carmelo, Prieto-Alaiz, Mercedes, Simón, Hipólito
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Counting approach; Employment precariousness; Multidimensional indicators; Quality of employment; Spain
• ISSN: 0148-2963; 1873-7978
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.09.036

•We examine employment precariousness in Spain with a novel multidimensional measurement approach.•Hedonic weights are used for the selection of the dimensions of multidimensional precariousness and the quantification of their relative influence.•Having a fixed-term contract is the most salient component of employment precariousness according to the subjective evaluation by employees.•The precariousness of employment from a multidimensional perspective has intensified significantly in Spain in recent years. This article examines the evolution of employment precariousness in Spain based on a new method of constructing multidimensional precarious measures. This methodology resembles the one proposed by Alkire and Foster (2007, 2011) for multidimensional poverty in the framework of the counting approach. The main novelty of the approach adopted resides in the use of hedonic weights derived from the subjective evaluation by employees for the selection of the different dimensions of jobs that make up multidimensional precariousness and the quantification of their relative influence. The evidence obtained reveals that the precariousness of employment created in Spain has intensified significantly in recent years and that the strong temporary nature of employment is the most salient component of this precariousness from a multidimensional perspective.