Andy tries to help April identify a job that she may be interested in, but she has reasons to hate each of the ones he names. While they may pay well, and she may be qualified for them, the non-pecuniary (non-wage) aspects of the job are just as important as the salary for the job.
See more: Labor, non-pecuniary factors, preferences for work
The Newports have decided to sell a large parcel of land and Leslie believes this is the opportunity of a lifetime where she can make a name for herself. She briefly considers the option of retiring, but then explains that she wants to work until she is a hundred and then cut back to 4 days a week. This is a fun clip to illustrate labor force participation decisions and different preferences.
See more: labor, labor force participation, labor leisure tradeoff, leisure, retirement, supply
A Southern Indiana tradition revolves around political candidates’ wives baking pies in a contest known as the Pie-Mary. Leslie has decided to skip the Pie-Mary contest so she can help Ben with his campaign, but it’s turned into a big ordeal. She ties to change her mind and enter the Pie-Mary, but that angers another group of people. Regardless of her decision, someone is upset and it distracts from Ben’s campaign. Leslie and Ben finish the episode with a press conference where Leslie points out that people should be allowed to do whatever the wish. Socially defined gender roles like the ones portrayed in the episode highlight some of the issues facing women in the labor market.
See more: discrimination, gender, gender equality, gender roles, labor, sexual harassment, statistical discrimination
Leslie is ready to get to work, but Ann is confused on whether Leslie ever takes a break from work to enjoy things. Leslie’s preference for work is so high that she does derive utility from working.
See more: labor, labor leisure tradeoff, preferences, utility, workaholic
Ben goes back to the accounting firm that he initially quit, only to decide to quit again as soon as he sees his office. In discussing his motivation, he talks about how he wants to do something meaningful with his life, but then he realizes the benefits of being an accountant including stability and above average pay.
See more: compensating differentials, labor, non-pecuniary factors, preferences, types of income, utility
Leslie, Ron, and April decide to hold a meeting with the different government departments to discuss gender equality issues in Pawnee. The only problem is each department sends male representatives and the commission is composed entirely of male representatives. When questioned about it, one member points out Leslie as being female, but then asks her to go get more snacks.
See more: discrimination, equality, gender, gender equality, labor, occupational segregation, sexual harassment, women in the workplace
Ron and Chris disagree with the best way to motivate workers. While Chris takes a more intrinsic approach, Ron focuses on base level needs of fear and hunger, but also on money. Ron’s extrinsic approach comes from his belief in markets being able to serve as a motivator. Both agree that motivating workers can increase productivity, but disagree on the best method of doing so.
See more: incentives, labor, motivation, pay and productivity, productivity, self-interest
Local restaurants are now offering giant sodas, filled with sugar. The child-sized soda is actually the size of a small child! Leslie proposes a soda tax to cut back on citizen’s consuming the sugary beverages, but a representative of the Pawnee Restaurant Association warns Leslie against doing so. Because this will limit the number of sodas being sold, restaurants may have to layoff up to 100 workers and Leslie will be the one to blame.
See more: deadweight loss, labor, labor demand, layoffs, price controls, taxes, unemployment, unintended consequences
Ben’s been offered a job with a local accounting firm, but he isn’t as excited about the commute or the carpeting in the office. Leslie recommends that if he isn’t in love with the idea of working there then he should take some time to consider other options. The non-pecuniary aspects of jobs are important in the decision to accept employment.
See more: compensating differentials, labor, non-pecuniary factors, opportunity costs, types of income, unemployment
When the NBA goes on strike, Entertainment 7Twenty (Tom and Jean-Ralphio’s company) hires Indiana Pacer Roy Hibbert to play one-on-one basketball at the office for 75% of his salary. When worker’s aren’t able to go to work, their next best alternative is lower than their original wage. This allows interested firms to get labor a discount.
See more: labor, next best alternative, opportunity costs, reservation wage, strikes, unions
Economics of Parks & Recreation 