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The Assignment of Workers to Tasks, Wage Distribution and Technical Change: A Critical Review

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  • Dupuy, Arnaud

    (University of Luxembourg)

Abstract

This paper reviews the literature on two-sided atomeless assignment models of workers to tasks. Using simple parametric examples, the fundamental differences between the comparative advantage and the scale of operations models are illustrated. Holding the distributions of abilities and tasks and the production function of worker-task pairs constant, the two principles are shown to produce different wage distributions and wage inequality. These models are useful to evaluate the general equilibrium effect of technical change on the wage structure. In all models, skilled-biased technical change that impacts the production function of worker-task pairs lead to rising wage inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Dupuy, Arnaud, 2008. "The Assignment of Workers to Tasks, Wage Distribution and Technical Change: A Critical Review," IZA Discussion Papers 3379, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp3379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Arnaud Dupuy, 2015. "The Assignment of Workers to Tasks with Endogenous Supply of Skills," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 82(325), pages 24-45, January.
    2. Lex Borghans & Bas ter Weel, 2008. "Understanding the Technology of Computer Technology Diffusion: Explaining Computer Adoption Patterns and Implications for the Wage Structure," Journal of Income Distribution, Ad libros publications inc., vol. 17(3-4), pages 37-70, September.
    3. Schultheiss, Tobias & Pfister, Curdin & Gnehm, Ann-Sophie & Backes-Gellner, Uschi, 2023. "Education expansion and high-skill job opportunities for workers: Does a rising tide lift all boats?," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 82(C).
    4. Koch, Michael & Egger, Hartmut, 2013. "Trade and the Firm-Internal Allocation of Workers to Tasks," VfS Annual Conference 2013 (Duesseldorf): Competition Policy and Regulation in a Global Economic Order 79841, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    5. Dohmen, T.J. & Falk, A. & Huffman, D. & Marklein, F. & Sunde, U., 2008. "Biased probability judgment: representative evidence for pervasiveness and economic outcomes," ROA Research Memorandum 009, Maastricht University, Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    technical change; wage structure; assignment models;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D3 - Microeconomics - - Distribution
    • J3 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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