Jobs Now, Later, or... Never? An Exploration of Resistance to Economic Change in Communities

Abstract

Members of the research team report findings from a telephone survey of residents of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The survey asked residents about their preferences for job creation if a computer software company would relocate in their community. Respondents chose to create jobs among several options: (1) to create ten jobs now, (2) to create 16 jobs in five years, (3) indifference between now or in five years, or (4) never. Although the majority of the respondents viewed the software company as a social good, a substantial minority (18.3 percent) preferred that the company never move to their community. Reasons for respondents' resistance to a seemingly attractive (high technology, nonpolluting) employer are explored with logistic regression. Those who are less well educated, younger, or Native American are more likely to choose the "never" option. A reason for resistance may be fear of cultural change associated with the arrival of others, especially newcomers familiar with high technology. In contrast, those who are less attached to community are more likely to prefer that the firm arrive in the community. Implications are that investments in education may make communities more open to change, and individuals considering out-migration may require a faster pace of change to remain in the community.