The impact of regional ICT development on job quality of the employee in China

The paper matches the province-level ICT development with the micro-level data of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), uses multiple indicators to measure ICT development and job quality, and investigates the impact of regional ICT development on job quality of the employee. The research conclusions are as follows: First of all, ICT development has a significant positive impact on job quality of the employee. After a series of robustness tests and dealing with endogeneity issues, the research conclusion continues to be valid. Second, when the job quality of the employee is poor, the promotion of ICT development is relatively strong. Third, ICT development has an indirect impact on job quality through the Internet awareness. Finally, ICT development has a relatively strong role in promoting job quality of women, older, non-agricultural, and medium-skill employees. From the policy perspective, in order to improve the job quality of the employee, we suggest promoting ICT development, narrowing the digital gap, increasing investment in education, and taking into account the different characteristics of employees.

Automated summary

This study matches province-level ICT development with micro-level data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), measures ICT development and job quality with multiple indicators, and investigates the impact of regional ICT development on employee job quality. The research findings are as follows: First, ICT development has a significant positive impact on employee job quality, which remains valid after robustness tests and addressing endogeneity issues. Second, when employee job quality is poor, there is a relatively strong promotion of ICT development. Third, ICT development has an indirect impact on job quality through Internet awareness. Finally, ICT development plays a relatively strong role in promoting job quality among women, older individuals, non-agricultural workers, and medium-skill employees. From a policy perspective, promoting ICT development, bridging the digital divide, increasing investment in education, and considering the different characteristics of employees are suggested to improve job quality.