Human Capital

Human Capital

A measure of the economic value of an employee's skill set. This measure builds on the basic production input of labor measure where all labor is thought to be equal. The concept of human capital recognizes that not all labor is equal and that the quality of employees can be improved by investing in them. The education, experience and abilities of an employee have an economic value for employers and for the economy as a whole.

Notes:

Economist Theodore Schultz invented the term in the 1960s to reflect the value of our human capacities. He believed human capital was like any other type of capital it could be invested in through education, training and enhanced benefits that will lead to an improvement in the quality and level of production.

See also: Asset, Capital, Capital Appreciation, Economics, Intangible Asset, Investment, Social Capital

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Human capital

The unique capabilities and expertise of individuals.