Unemployment Rates and Their Implications for Human Resource Planning

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Buss, Terry F.^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Youngstown State University

Correspondence: [*] Address correspondence to: Terry F. Buss, Director, Center for Urban Studies, Youngstown State University, 410 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44555.

Abstract: In this study, the planning implications of using local unemployment rates, published monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , are examined. An argument is made that many planners are unaware of the implications of using published unemployment rates in their planning activities. This is primarily because of a lack of understanding of the definitions used by BLS in its statistical program. Research reveals several alternative ways to view unemployment at the local level. Unique data from the Youngstown/Warren SMSA is used to illustrate the problems and prospects of concern to planners. The paper suggests the increased need for local unemployment rate studies.

DOI: 10.3233/JEM-1986-14101

Journal: Journal of Economic and Social Measurement, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-18, 1986