Hiring in border regions: experimental and qualitative evidence from a recruiter survey in Luxembourg

Tamara Gutfleisch () and Robin Samuel
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Tamara Gutfleisch: University of Mannheim
Robin Samuel: University of Luxembourg

Journal for Labour Market Research, 2022, vol. 56, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Firms in border regions typically deal with heterogeneous applicant pools that include both (foreign) domestic workers and cross-border commuters. However, we know little about recruiters’ workforce needs and hiring practices in cross-border labour markets. Based on a survey of real recruiters in Luxembourg, this study presents experimental and qualitative findings on the role of country of residence in recruiters’ hiring intentions against foreigners. Luxembourg presents a rarely studied but highly relevant case for hiring practices owing to a combination of a strong economy, strict labour market regulations, and a transnational workforce. Drawing on data from a factorial survey experiment, we found no discrimination against Portuguese and French applicants living in Luxembourg. Yet, (highly skilled) cross-border workers from France and Germany faced disadvantages regarding recruiters’ hiring intentions. However, differences in effect sizes between foreigners and cross-border workers were small and not statistically significant. When further asked about the potential challenges of recruiting in Luxembourg’s cross-border labour market, respondents expressed concerns about flexibility, poor social fit, and cultural differences in hiring foreign and cross-border employees. Overall, our study provides further points of reference for studies on hiring intentions in cross-border labour markets across Europe.

Keywords: Hiring intentions; Cross-border labour mobility; International workforce; Factorial survey experiment; Luxembourg (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J61 J71 M51 R23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1186/s12651-022-00327-2

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