How Independent Contracting Can Save the Economy

HOW INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING CAN SAVE THE ECONOMY
Temporary and contingent work, often performed by independent contractors, has grown rapidly in the last few decades. “Independent contracting” is a business arrangement in which a client firm contracts with a small business or an individual to perform work that may be performed by full- or part-time employees at other firms within the same industry. This has prompted backlash in many legislatures, writing laws to inhibit such work arrangements in a misguided attempt to “protect” traditional jobs.
Good public policy requires accurate facts. This presentation:
•       Outlines the central role of small businesses and self-employment in economic growth
•       Corrects erroneous myths about who becomes an independent contractor, and why
•       Estimates the benefit to one U.S. state’s economy, California, of public policies that facilitate independent contracting
•       Explains the role of such employment in the future—why some day you will be self-employed, and happy about it
The presentation is based on a study published recently by the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), the premier small business association in America, titled The Economic Impact of Independent Contracting in California. Its lessons are applicable to every state and province.
Presenter Philip Romero is professor of finance, and former business dean, at the University of Oregon. He has also served as chief economist for California, as well as an adviser to cabinet officials and two U.S. presidents. He has appeared as an expert on PBS, the BBC, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times, among others. His new book, Your Macroeconomic Edge: Investing Strategies for the Post Recession World, was published by Business Expert Press in early 2012.

Anyone interested in the economic impact of the contract workforce.

The central role of small businesses and self-employment in economic growth. Corrects erroneous myths about who becomes an independent contractor, and why. Estimates the benefit to one U.S. state’s economy, California, of public policies that facilitate independent contracting Explains the role of such employment in the future—why some day you will be self-employed, and happy about it.

Click here for Philip Romeros book “Your Macroeconomic Edge: Investing Strategies for the Post Recession World”, was published by Business Expert Press in early 2012.

		Philip Romero University Of Oregon View Profile