Between Search and Walras

A-Tier
Journal: Journal of Labor Economics
Year: 2002
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Pages: 59-85

Authors (2)

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 2 authors) × 2.0x A-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We present a model in which unemployed workers simultaneously sample n potential employers. By varying n, we nest search and Walrasian-type models of the labor market. We show that low values of n yield typical search equilibria: the wages are dispersed below the marginal productivity of labor. Interestingly, as n exceeds a relatively small threshold, the Walrasian-type equilibrium emerges with the competitive wage quoted by all firms. For intermediate values of n, the equilibrium is a hybrid of the Walrasian and search equilibria. The model generates wage rigidity and yields novel predictions regarding the comovement of wages, firm turnover, and unemployment.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jlabec:v:20:y:2002:i:1:p:59-85
Journal Field
Labor
Author Count
2
Added to Database
2026-01-25