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The Estimation of Reservation Wages: A Simulation-Based Comparison

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  • Leppin Julian S.

    (Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI), Heimhuder Straße 71, 20148 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

This paper examines the predictive power of different estimation approaches for reservation wages. It applies stochastic frontier models for employed persons and the approach from Kiefer and Neumann (1979b) for unemployed persons. Furthermore, the question of whether or not reservation wages decrease over the unemployment period is addressed. This is done by a simulated panel with known reservation wages which uses data from the Socio-Economic Panel as a basis. The comparison of the estimators is carried out by a Monte Carlo simulation. In case of employed persons, the cross-sectional stochastic frontier model shows the best performance. The Kiefer-Neumann approach for unemployed persons is able to predict decreasing reservation wages but the rise of the mean reservation wage in case of a constant simulated reservation wage went undetected. In general, the Kiefer-Neumann approach overestimates the reservation wage.

Suggested Citation

  • Leppin Julian S., 2014. "The Estimation of Reservation Wages: A Simulation-Based Comparison," Journal of Economics and Statistics (Jahrbuecher fuer Nationaloekonomie und Statistik), De Gruyter, vol. 234(5), pages 603-634, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:jns:jbstat:v:234:y:2014:i:5:p:603-634
    DOI: 10.1515/jbnst-2014-0503
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    2. Julian S. Leppin & Stefan Reitz, 2016. "The Role of a Changing Market Environment for Credit Default Swap Pricing," International Journal of Finance & Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(3), pages 209-223, July.
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    5. Vöpel, Henning, 2013. "A Zidane clustering theorem: Why top players tend to play in one team and how the competitive balance can be restored," HWWI Research Papers 141, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Job search theory; Monte Carlo simulation; reservation wages; stochastic wage frontiers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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