Discussion of Methods and Approaches towards the Impact Evaluation of Czech Active Labor Market Policy Using „OKpráce“ Data

Ondřej Hora, Miroslav Suchanec

 

Abstract

Realization of impact evaluation brings possibility of various methodological choices that are limited to distinct assumptions concerning the context of the study, nature of the data etc. Results of the impact evaluation are then dependent considerably on definition of particular evaluation model. Aim of this article is to discuss main areas, principles and approaches to evaluation of Czech active labor policy programs (ALMP) outcomes and impacts, using administrative data of OKpráce. The article presents approaches that are suitable for this kind of data and is based on partial equilibrium perspective, thus omitting impacts on labor market as whole. The core of the article is discussion of diverse methodical steps in context of internal validity of measured impact. The matching is discussed as a method of balancing pre-program differences between program participants and control group. Inclusion of factors of labor market perspective and history, as well as phase of economic cycle, during this process is of high importance. Article concludes that choice of particular statistical method of data analysis hinges on whether evaluator wants to find absolute or relative risks of leaving unemployment, their progress in time or merely the presence of unemployed in register.

 

Mgr. Ondřej Hora, Ph.D., Fakulta sociálních studií, Masarykova univerzita, hora@fss.muni.cz; Mgr. Miroslav Suchanec, Ph.D., MSc., Fakulta sociálních studií, Masarykova univerzita, suchanec@mail.muni.cz.

Hora, O., Suchanec, M. (2015) „Diskuze metodických postupů při evaluaci dopadu aktivní politiky zaměstnanosti ČR na datech OK práce“. Evaluační teorie a praxe 3(1): 1–31