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Wage Dispersion and Labor Turnover with Adverse Selection

Author

Listed:
  • Leo Kaas

    (University of Konstanz)

  • Carlos Carrillo-Tudela

    (University of Essex)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the effects of adverse selection on worker turnover, wage dispersion, and resource allocation in labor markets. We consider a model of on-the-job search where firms offer long-term wage contracts to workers of different ability. Firms do not observe worker ability upon hiring but learn it gradually over time. Provided that information frictions are sufficiently strong, low-wage firms offer screening contracts and hire all types of workers in equilibrium, whereas high-wage firms specialize in attracting high-ability workers only. This implies that low-ability workers have higher turnover rates, earn lower wages on average and face an earnings distribution with a higher frictional component. Furthermore, positive sorting obtains in equilibrium.

Suggested Citation

  • Leo Kaas & Carlos Carrillo-Tudela, 2011. "Wage Dispersion and Labor Turnover with Adverse Selection," 2011 Meeting Papers 1075, Society for Economic Dynamics.
    • Handle: RePEc:red:sed011:1075
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    Cited by:

    1. Pinheiro, Roberto & Visschers, Ludo, 2015. "Unemployment risk and wage differentials," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 397-424.
    2. Carrillo-Tudela, Carlos & Kaas, Leo, 2015. "Worker mobility in a search model with adverse selection," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 340-386.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • J63 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Turnover; Vacancies; Layoffs
    • J64 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Mobility, Unemployment, Vacancies, and Immigrant Workers - - - Unemployment: Models, Duration, Incidence, and Job Search

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