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Wiring the Labor Market

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  • David H. Autor

Abstract

Workers and jobs are naturally heterogeneous and the quality of their interaction when paired is difficult to forecast. The Internet promises to open new channels for worker-firm communications. What are the consequences of this opening? I discuss three labor market features that may be altered: how worker-firm matches are made; how labor services are delivered; and how local markets shape labor demand. Theory predicts these developments will produce social benefits. But the gains are unlikely to be uniform and realizing them will generate novel problems. One result may be the formation of new institutions to address issues accompanying these opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • David H. Autor, 2001. "Wiring the Labor Market," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 15(1), pages 25-40, Winter.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jecper:v:15:y:2001:i:1:p:25-40
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jep.15.1.25
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/jep.15.1.25
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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