Believe Quote by Jeffrey Pfeffer
“We need economic policies in the U.S. that produce jobs, first of all, but good jobs, second of all. Believe it or not, Germany, a country characterized by high wages, strong unions, a social safety net, and so forth is the second largest exporter (after China) in the world. The idea that the only way to succeed is by eliminating vacations, sick days, worker protections, and so forth is simply belied by the competitiveness rankings produced by the Economist magazine's intelligence unit and by the World Economic Forum.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Economic Forum Panel, 2020
Effective policies must create quality employment, not just any jobs, showing that strong labor standards can coexist with global competitiveness.
In simple terms: Good jobs matter more than just job numbers.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize quality in job creation.
Themes
employment
economics
labor rights
competitiveness
policy
Mood
optimistic
analytical
Type
policy
economic
strategic
When to use this quote
- government policy design
- corporate hiring practices
- education and training programs
- trade negotiations
Key Concepts
social market economy
human capital
productivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers balance worker protections with business flexibility?
- What incentives encourage firms to offer high‑quality jobs?
A Different Perspective
High wages and protections may raise costs for some firms, potentially reducing hiring in low‑margin sectors.
