This report
draws on three types of data and methodology:
First, in the summer and fall of 2000, we conducted a qualitative
study of labor market intermediaries in Silicon Valley and Milwaukee.
This included focus groups and detailed interviews with representatives
from a wide range of intermediaries and their clients (both job seekers
and employers).
Second, to garner background information on the volatility of labor
market conditions in both locations, we conducted an analysis of the
employment patterns and levels of volatility in each region using unemployment
insurance wage data.
Finally, between August 2001 and June 2002 we conducted a phone survey
of workers to gather information on the labor market experiences of
active labor market participants who did and did not use labor market
intermediaries to find work. We collected survey responses from 1,348
individuals (659 in Milwaukee and 689 in Silicon Valley).