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Efficient Non-Contractible Investments in Large Economies

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  • Harold L. Cole
  • George J. Mailath
  • Andrew Postlewaite

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of whether agents will invest efficiently in attributes that will increase their productivity in subsequent matches with other individuals. We present a two-sided matching model in which buyers and sellers make investment decisions prior to a matching stage. Once matched, the buyer and seller bargain over the transfer price. In contrast to most matching models, preferences over possible matches are affected by decisions made before the matching process. We show that if bargaining respects the existence of outside options (in the sense that the resulting allocation is in the core of the assignment game), then efficient decisions can always be sustained in equilibrium. However, there may also be inefficient equilibria. Our analysis identifies a potential source of inefficiency not present in most matching models.
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Suggested Citation

  • Harold L. Cole & George J. Mailath & Andrew Postlewaite, "undated". "Efficient Non-Contractible Investments in Large Economies," Penn CARESS Working Papers e9e0aca257b20d3bb6bb4a52a, Penn Economics Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:cla:penntw:e9e0aca257b20d3bb6bb4a52a98edeb8
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    File URL: http://www.ssc.upenn.edu/~gmailath/wpapers/wpapers.html
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    10. Cole Harold Linh & Mailath George J. & Postlewaite Andrew, 2001. "Efficient Non-Contractible Investments in Finite Economies," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 1(1), pages 1-34, March.
    11. Daron Acemoglu, 1997. "Training and Innovation in an Imperfect Labour Market," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 64(3), pages 445-464.
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