Simultaneous Search and Efficiency of Entry and Search Intensity

Gautier, Pieter A.; Holzner, Christian (August 2017): Simultaneous Search and Efficiency of Entry and Search Intensity. In: American Economic Journal-Microeconomics, Vol. 9, No. 3: pp. 245-282

Abstract

We consider a model where firms open vacancies and post and commit to a wage mechanism. Search is costly and workers simultaneously apply to multiple jobs. Firms can be connected to multiple workers and workers to multiple firms. We use a new method to derive the expected maximum number of matches in a large market as a function of the number of applications and market tightness. We also derive the conditions under which firm entry, worker participation, and search intensity are socially efficient. Finally, we show that a sequential auction under incomplete information can establish the social optimum and discuss some alternative mechanisms that can, under complete information of the entire network, also deliver social efficiency.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Economics > Chairs > Chair for Public Economics
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• JEL Classification: D12, D44, D83, J23, J31, J64, M51
• ISSN: 1945-7669
• Language: English