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Formal Education Versus Learning-by-Doing

Author

Listed:
  • Gavrel, Frédéric

    (University of Caen)

  • Lebon, Isabelle

    (University of Caen)

  • Rebiere, Therese

    (CNAM, Paris)

Abstract

The efficiency of educational choices is studied in a search-matching model where individuals face a tradeoff: acquiring formal education or learning while on the job. When their education effort is successful, newcomers directly obtain a high-skill job; otherwise, they begin with a low-skill job, learn-by-doing and then search while on-the-job for a high-skill job. Low-skill firms suffer from hold-up behavior by high-skill firms. The low-skill sector is insufficiently attractive and individuals devote too much effort to formal education. A self-financing tax and subsidy policy restores market efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Gavrel, Frédéric & Lebon, Isabelle & Rebiere, Therese, 2014. "Formal Education Versus Learning-by-Doing," IZA Discussion Papers 8341, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp8341
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H21 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Efficiency; Optimal Taxation
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search
    • J68 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Public Policy

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