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

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  • Arnaud Dupuy

    (Maastricht University)

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on two-sided atomless 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, Skill Biased Technical Change that impacts the production function of worker-task pairs leads to rising wage inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Arnaud Dupuy, 2008. "The Assignment of Workers to Tasks, Wage Distribution, and Technical Change: A Critical Review," Journal of Income Distribution, Ad libros publications inc., vol. 17(3-4), pages 12-36, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:jid:journl:y:2008:v:17:i:3-4:p:12-36
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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. 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).
    4. Hartmut Egger & Michael Koch, 2013. "Trade and the Firm-Internal Allocation of Workers to Tasks," Working Papers 139, Bavarian Graduate Program in Economics (BGPE).
    5. 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).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    assignment models; wage structure; technical change;
    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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