Discussion Papers
Tenure Profiles and Efficient Separation in a Stochastic Productivity Model
Tenure Profiles and Efficient Separation in a Stochastic Productivity Model
Authors:
Teulings, C. N.
and
Buhai, S.
Published: May 2013
Keywords:
random productivity growth, efficient bargaining, job tenure, inverse gaussian, wage-tenure profiles, option theory
JEL classification:
C33, C41, J31, J63
Abstract:
We develop a theoretical model based on efficient bargaining, where both log outside productivity and log productivity in the current job follow a random walk. This setting allows the application of real option theory. We derive the efficient worker-firm separation rule. We show that wage data from completed job spells are uninformative about the true tenure profile. The model is estimated on the PSID. It fits the observed distribution of job tenures well. Selection of favourable random walks can account for the concavity in tenure profiles. About 80% of the estimated wage returns to tenure is due to selectivity in the realized outside productivities.
