Testing for unit roots in panel data using a GMM approach

For aggregated time series unit root tests are routinely applied to choose among trend and difference stationary models. Recent work demonstrates that such test can also be applied for testing panel data. However, it is well known that disaggregated data often exhibit a considerable amount of heterogeneity so that standard tests may perform poorly. To account for the heterogeneity in the data we allow for individual specific deterministics, that is, we let the time trends vary across the cross section units. It is shown that standard GMM estimators suggested for the dynamic panel data model may fail to give a valid test procedure. To overcome this difficulty, a modified GMM estimator is suggested. In a Monte Carlo study the finite sample properties of the alternative tests are compared.     

Coincidence,Happenstance, Serendipity,Fate, or the Hand of God: Case Studies in Synchronicity

Many counselors are aware that synchronicity—unpredictable instances of meaningful coincidence—can play a significant role in career opportunities, yet the phenomenon of synchronicity in the career literature is underrepresented. The purpose of this article is to discuss the occurrence of synchronicity in the career development process. A philosophical context is presented and provides a framework for understanding synchronicity. Through the presentation of 3 case studies, synchronistic themes are explored. Using various career counseling processes, each client developed an authentic identity and found meaningful work through an experience with synchronicity. Implications for counselors are discussed.     

Perception of Job Instability in Europe

The perception of job instability is an important measure of subjective well being of individuals, because most people derive their income from selling their labour services. The study explores the determination of perception of job instability in Europe. The study is based on a large-scale survey from the year 1998. There are evidently large differences in the amount of perceived job instability from country to country. The lowest level of perceived job instability is in Denmark (9%). In contrast, the highest level of perceived job instability is in Spain (63%). Perceived job instability increases with age and an earlier unemployment episode. An increase in educational level, on the other hand, leads to a decline in the perception of job instability. In addition, a temporary contract as such does not yield an additional increase to the perception of job instability. The perception of job instability is more common within manufacturing industries and there is some evidence for the view that it increases according to the size of the firm.     

Scham und Schamlosigkeit und ihre Bedeutung für das Coaching von Führungskräften

Shame and shamelessness and its significance in coaching of managersIn contemporary times identity can be understood in terms of a ?patchwork identity“ or ?flexible self“. This paper (article) aims to establish the manner in which the ?flowing self“ deals with shame. It is necessary to revisit the topic of narcissism within the contemporary human being. The author examines possible shame-based conflicts in holders of leadership positions and the manner in which these maybe dealt with, for instance within the framework of dynamic coaching situations.     

Assessing non-use of social assistance

Non-use of income tested social benefits has many causes. Three hypotheses on non-use of social assistance based on data for Sweden collected in 1985 and 1997 are investigated. The results indicate some support for the view that it is more socially acceptable to apply for social assistance when a larger proportion of the population are receivers. Non-use of social assistance seems to be widespread. There are no signs of non-users as a fraction of those eligible changing across the years. Among the eligible, household income per capita as recorded the year before the interview was found to be negatively related to use. This indicates that people who expect to receive larger sums of social assistance are more likely to take up social assistance than those who expect smaller amounts.