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Efficiency and Labor Market Dynamics in a Model of Labor Selection

Author

Listed:
  • Sanjay K. Chugh

    (Boston College)

  • Christian Merkl

    (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg)

Abstract

We characterize efficient allocations and cyclical fluctuations in a labor selection model. Potential new hires are heterogenous in the cross-section in their degree of training costs. In a calibrated version of the model that identifies costly selection with micro-level data on training costs, efficient fluctuations feature highly volatile unemployment and hiring rates, in line with empirical evidence. We show analytically in a partial equilibrium version of the model that volatility arises from selection effects, rather than general equilibrium effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Sanjay K. Chugh & Christian Merkl, 2013. "Efficiency and Labor Market Dynamics in a Model of Labor Selection," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 846, Boston College Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:boc:bocoec:846
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Brown, Alessio & Merkl, Christian & Snower, Dennis, 2015. "An Incentive Theory Of Matching," Macroeconomic Dynamics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 19(03), pages 643-668, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hochmuth, Brigitte & Gartner, Hermann & Kohlbrecher, Britta & Merkl, Christian, 2016. "Labor selection over the business cycle: An empirical assessment," FAU Discussion Papers in Economics 02/2016, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Institute for Economics.
    2. Christian Merkl & Thijs van Rens, 2011. "Selective hiring and welfare analysis in labor market models," Economics Working Papers 1277, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, revised Jan 2012.
    3. Sengul, Gonul, 2017. "Effect of labor market policies on unemployment when firms adapt their recruitment strategy," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 169-179.
    4. Merkl, Christian & Stüber, Heiko, 2017. "Value added, wages, and labor market flows at the establishment level," FAU Discussion Papers in Economics 03/2017, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Institute for Economics.
    5. Merkl, Christian & Stüber, Heiko, 2016. "Wage cyclicalities and labor market dynamics at the establishment level: Theory and evidence," FAU Discussion Papers in Economics 12/2016, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Institute for Economics.
    6. Sanjay K. Chugh & Wolfgang Lechthalerz & Christian Merkl, 2015. "Optimal Fiscal Policy with Labor Selection," Boston College Working Papers in Economics 884, Boston College Department of Economics.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    labor market frictions; hiring costs; efficiency; amplification;

    JEL classification:

    • E24 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Consumption, Saving, Production, Employment, and Investment - - - Employment; Unemployment; Wages; Intergenerational Income Distribution; Aggregate Human Capital; Aggregate Labor Productivity
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General

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