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An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of Imperfect Information on Wages in Canada

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  • Sharif, Najma R.
  • Dar, Atul A.

Abstract

Most studies of wage differentials explain such differentials in terms of factors like gender, race, and human capital. But systematic gaps in earnings can arise even among homogenous individuals as a result of asymmetric employer and worker information gaps, thereby reflecting labour market inefficiency. This paper estimates these gaps in terms of wage differentials across various population groups in Canada. We examine 21 populations groups, which include a number of immigrant groups as well. Information gaps are likely to be important in the context of immigrants, especially those new to Canadian labour markets. Our special interest is not only to compare information gaps of immigrant and other population groups, but also to assess whether (and how) immigrant information gaps depend upon the length of residence in Canada. The econometric model we employ is the two-tier stochastic earnings frontier, which is estimated using data from the 2001, 1996 and 1991 censuses.

Suggested Citation

  • Sharif, Najma R. & Dar, Atul A., 2007. "An Empirical Investigation of the Impact of Imperfect Information on Wages in Canada," Review of Applied Economics, Lincoln University, Department of Financial and Business Systems, vol. 3(1-2), pages 1-19.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:reapec:50162
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.50162
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Christopher F. Parmeter, 2018. "Estimation of the two-tiered stochastic frontier model with the scaling property," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 37-47, February.
    2. Alecos Papadopoulos, 2015. "The half-normal specification for the two-tier stochastic frontier model," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 225-230, April.
    3. Solomon W. Polachek, 2017. "Heterogeneity in the Labor Market: Ability and Information Acquisition," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 43(3), pages 377-390, June.
    4. Shirong Zhao & Jeremy Losak, 2024. "Two-tiered stochastic frontier models: a Bayesian perspective," Journal of Productivity Analysis, Springer, vol. 61(2), pages 85-106, April.
    5. Aydede, Yigit & Dar, Atul A., 2022. "Native-born-immigrant wage gap revisited: The role of market imperfections in Canada," CLEF Working Paper Series 50, Canadian Labour Economics Forum (CLEF), University of Waterloo.
    6. Song, Wenfei & Han, Xianfeng, 2022. "The bilateral effects of foreign direct investment on green innovation efficiency: Evidence from 30 Chinese provinces," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(PB).

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