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Impact of Market Concentration on Employment and Wages: a Look at the Insurance Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Ghanshyam Sharma

    (Seton Hall University)

  • Kurt W. Rotthoff

    (Seton Hall University)

Abstract

The falling share of labor in national income is a global concern. This study examined the impact of changes in market concentration ratios in the insurance industry on employment, the share of wages, sales (premiums), and annual wages. Panel data were analyzed for the period 2001 to 2012 for the life, property, and health insurance industries, available from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and SNL Financial Analysis database. Using a fixed effects model, we found that higher market concentration was associated with lower employment in the industry and a lower share of wages. However, there was no statistically significant association between concentration and average annual wage. Moreover, there was evidence that market concentration is positively associated with higher total sales (premiums received by the companies). Thus, we conclude that lower employment is not driven by the poor economic performance of the industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghanshyam Sharma & Kurt W. Rotthoff, 2019. "Impact of Market Concentration on Employment and Wages: a Look at the Insurance Industry," Atlantic Economic Journal, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 47(2), pages 169-178, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:atlecj:v:47:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s11293-019-09621-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11293-019-09621-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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