Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Harry T. Oshima Author-Workplace-Name: University of the Philippines Title: Full Employment Growth in Japan and Taiwan Abstract: The paper examines the phenomenon of full employment in Japan, the first country to reach such stage in postwar Asia, and of Taiwan which achieved it in the late 1960s. lt looks into its manifestation, and how it was attained and sustained; and finally, how it affects macro growth rates, productivity, income distribution, demographic and other aspects. The trends examined apparently indicate that the top priority should be to develop agriculture in the early stages of modern economic growth in a monsoon economy. It is also predicted that unlike Japan and Taiwan, full employment in the coming decades will be much more difficult to attain and sustain due to the sluggish growth of the industrialized countries. Solutions are suggested which South and Southeast Asian countries can use to cope with labor surplus problems. Journal: Philippine Review of Economics Pages: 1-39 Volume: 25 Issue: 1&2 Year: 1988 Month: March and June File-URL: http://pre.econ.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pre/article/download/285/409 File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:phs:prejrn:v:25:y:1988:i:1&2:p:1-39 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Paul W. Kuznets Author-Workplace-Name: Indiana University Title: Employment Absorption in South Korea: 1970-1980 Abstract: Using data based on census materials concerning developments during the decade 1970-1980, the paper outlines the rapid economic growth in South Korea and how this has affected employment. It examines changes in the structure of employment, output growth in each sector and the relationships between output growth and employment. It also evaluates the unusual concentration of nonagricultural activity in Korea’s cities and its implications for urbanization and migration by comparing Korean experience with that of Taiwan. Issues associated with the turning point, which could have occurred around 1969 and 1965, are also discussed. After Korea’s world-record development in the 1970s, the paper notes a dramatic reversal in 1980 and a slow recovery in 1981-82 with no return to rapid growth until 1983. Finally, the paper discusses the effects of the recent recession and recovery on employment absorption and prospects for the future. Journal: Philippine Review of Economics Pages: 41-70 Volume: 25 Issue: 1&2 Year: 1988 Month: March & June File-URL: http://pre.econ.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pre/article/download/286/410 File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:phs:prejrn:v:25:y:1988:i:1&2:p:41-70 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pang Eng Fong Author-Workplace-Name: School of Management, National University of Singapore Author-Name: Ong Nai Pew Author-Workplace-Name: School of Management, National University of Singapore Title: Labour Absorption in Hong Kong and Singapore Since 1970 Abstract: Based on census data, this paper traces the labour absorption pattern in the city-economies of Hong Kong and Singapore since the early 1970s to the early 1980s. Among the similarities highlighted are the export-led growth in the 1970s, the shift towards higher valued activities, the simultaneous expansion of the labor force and employment, an unprecedented increase in female labor force inflow, the more efficient use of manpower due to rapid output growth, and the preponderance of the more export-oriented manufacturing industries contributing the bulk of new jobs. On the other hand, one significant difference in this sectoral pattems of labor absorption is that, compared to Singapore, Hong Kong's ratio of employment growth to output was higher in commerce and lower in manufacturing due to the greater supply-induced employment-creation. The higher labor absorption rate in Singapore manufacturing relative to that of Hong Kong is most likely because of the greater influence of the former's government on the labor market as well as the influx of labor intensive foreign manufacturing firms. The paper notes the increasing similarity in the early 1980s between the the two economies as well as the increasing convergence of government perception of its role in both city-economies. Journal: Philippine Review of Economics Pages: 71-99 Volume: 25 Issue: 1&2 Year: 1988 Month: March & June File-URL: http://pre.econ.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pre/article/download/287/408 File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:phs:prejrn:v:25:y:1988:i:1&2:p:71-99 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Pichai Charnsupharindr Author-Workplace-Name: Thammasat University Title: Growth and Utilization of Labor in Thailand Abstract: Against the impressive performance of the Thai economy and the average annual population growth of over 2.5 per cent per annum the past three decades, this paper looks into whether the economy has provided better job opportunities to the people. The focus of the discussion is the changes in the level of labor absorption of each sector of production in the Thai economy, including the factors which determine these changes. Such aspects as population growth, labor force participation, labor absorption by region, and educated unemployment are analyzed. Generally, the analysis shows that in spite of three decades of sustained growth, unemployment and underemployment are still major problems. Based on the findings, the paper recommends that the government undertake measures to reduce the population growth to less than 2 per cent per annum in the 1980s, to lessen income disparity between regions through industrial development in the rural areas, to enhance agricultural productivity, to promote industries which have a high employment absorption rate of income, and restructure the educational system to make it more responsive to labor demands. Journal: Philippine Review of Economics Pages: 101-149 Volume: 25 Issue: 1&2 Year: 1988 Month: March & June File-URL: http://pre.econ.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pre/article/download/288/412 File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:phs:prejrn:v:25:y:1988:i:1&2:p:101-149 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Edna A. Reyes Author-Workplace-Name: Philippine Institute for Development Studies Author-Name: Edwin Milan Author-Workplace-Name: Philippine Institute for Development Studies Title: Employment Strategies for Accelerated Economic Growth: The Philippine Experience Abstract: The paper tried to analyze the experience of the Philippines in terms of the policies and strategies it has adopted to address the problems of unemployment and underemployment. In particular, this was done in relation to the goals and targets set in the country’s various development plans. A review of the past and present policies showed that the industrialization policies implemented in the past generally increased output and investment but their inherent capital bias resulted in the low rate of labor absorption. The manufacturing sector specifically failed to generate new employment necessary to absorb the increasing labor force. This was due to factors like the limitations in the domestic market for output of import-substituting firms, the limitations imposed by the existing pattern of fiscal incentives, the misallocation of investable funds on high-cost industries, and the labor laws which served to raise labor cost and discourage employment. The major problem of adopting an outward-looking strategy is the lack of reciprocal response in the international setting in the face of increasing protectionism and stagnation in developed countries. However, the shift in comparative advantage of the NICs from traditional labor-intensive exports to more skilled and technology intensive activities opens up prospects for ASEAN countries. Nevertheless, there are two obstacles to realizing the above-mentioned objectives. One concerns the matter of sustaining the shift towards export-promotion with the existing incentives which are capital-biased. And the other is the current political and financial crises. Based on the analysis, the following policies are viewed to increase labor absorption. First, what is called for is a system of taxation and protection which is non-factor price distortive. The adoption of the appropriate technology which is more labor-intensive will follow as a consequence. Secondly, economic growth and therefore employment generation can be accelerated with a ?rmer commitment on the part of the authorities in implementing the structural reforms. And lastly, the outward-looking strategy is worth pursuing. Journal: Philippine Review of Economics Pages: 151-184 Volume: 25 Issue: 1&2 Year: 1988 Month: March & June File-URL: http://pre.econ.upd.edu.ph/index.php/pre/article/download/289/411 File-Format: Application/pdf Handle: RePEc:phs:prejrn:v:25:y:1988:i:1&2:p:151-184