Resum:
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The aim of this paper is to analyse the effects of human capital, advanced
manufacturing technologies (AMT), and new work organizational practices on firm
productivity, while taking into account the synergies existing between them. This study
expands current knowledge in this area in two ways. First, in contrast with previous
works, we focus on AMT and not ICT (information and communication technologies).
Second, we use a unique employer-employee data set for small firms in a particular area
of southern Europe (Catalonia, Spain). Using a small firm data set, allows us to analyse
the particular case of small and medium enterprises, since we cannot assume they have
the same characteristics as large firms. The results provide evidence in favor of the
complementarity hypothesis between human capital, advanced manufacturing
technologies, and new work organization practices, although we show that the
complementarity effects depend on what type of work organization practices are used
by a firm. For small and medium Catalan firms, the only set of work organization
practices that improve the benefits of human capital and technology investment are
those practices which are more quality oriented, such as quality circles, problem-solving
groups or total quality management. |