Temporary Employment, Gender Dynamics, and Productivity: The Case of Global Food Industry

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Temporary employment may facilitate the food industry in adjusting operational activities in response to volatile demand and supply. However, the peripheral tasks assigned to temporary workers, limited training, and the lack of firm-specific skills impede productivity. This study explores the impact of temporary employment and its gender composition on productivity. The findings indicate that firms with temporary employees are less productive. When temporary employees are predominantly female, productivity is even lower. This study provides reasons explaining low productivity in the global food industry and offers managerial recommendations for food companies and policy implications for policymakers. Key suggestions include initiatives that empower women through skill training and development, managerial education, and access to technological knowledge can enhance women’s participation and contributions in the food industry.