Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP8257
Authors: Pieter A. Gautier; Coen N. Teulings
Abstract: We analyze a general search model with on-the-job search and sorting of heterogeneous workers into heterogeneous jobs. This model yields a simple relationship between (i) the unemployment rate, (ii) the value of non-market time, and (iii) the max-mean wage differential. The latter measure of wage dispersion is more robust than measures based on the reservation wage, due to the long left tail of the wage distribution. We estimate this wage differential using data on match quality and allow for measurement error. The estimated wage dispersion and mismatch for the US is consistent with an unemployment rate of 4-6%. We find that without search frictions, output would be between 7.5% and 18.5% higher, depending on whether or not firms can ex ante commit to wage payments.
Keywords: Mismatch; On-the-job search; Sorting; Unemployment
JEL Codes: E24; J62; J63; J64
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Search frictions (J69) | output loss (C67) |
| Unemployment rate (J64) | output loss (C67) |
| Search frictions (J69) | unemployment rate (J64) |
| Unemployment rate (J64) | wage dispersion (J31) |
| Search frictions (J69) | wage dispersion (J31) |
| Wage dispersion (J31) | output loss (C67) |
| Equilibrium unemployment rate (J64) | wage dispersion (J31) |