Dundee Discussion Papers in Economics 095: Hiring and firing: a tale of two thresholds

Alison L. Booth, Yu-Fu Chen, Gylfi Zoega

    Research output: Working paper/PreprintDiscussion paper

    352 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The negative effect of quits on the willingness of firms to provide on-the-job training is well-documented in the theoretical literature (Becker, 1964). In this paper we explore the strength of this effect by solving a firm’s dynamic optimisation problem where there is uncertainty about future productivity and non-zero firing costs. We find that the degree to which quit rates affect hiring and training depend on the ratio of firing to hiring costs. As this ratio rises, the negative effect of quits becomes less important, eventually reversing itself. We also describe how quit rates affect the firing decision. We conclude by highlighting some testable implications of our analysis.
    Original languageEnglish
    PublisherUniversity of Dundee
    Publication statusPublished - 2000

    Publication series

    NameDundee Discussion Papers in Economics
    PublisherUniversity of Dundee
    No.95
    ISSN (Print)1473-236X

    Keywords

    • Quitting
    • Firing
    • Human capital
    • Real options
    • Hiring

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Dundee Discussion Papers in Economics 095: Hiring and firing: a tale of two thresholds'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this