3. Suppose there are two types of workers, k = G, B, differentiated by their productivity...

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3. Suppose there are two types of workers, k = G, B, differentiated by their productivity levels. Type G workers have productivity k = 2 and type B workers have productivity k = 1. The cost of achieving a given level of education is higher for type B than type G workers. The cost function of a type k to achieve education level e is c(e; k) = The utility function of a type k worker is u(w, e; k) = w-c(ek). (a) (10 points) Does a worker's education level affect productivity? If there was perfect information, what would be the optimal e, w be? (b) (15 points) Now suppose there is asymmetric information and the productivity level is known only to the worker. The type of the worker is not observable, but the level of education is. The firm believes that a worker with higher level of education than a threshold has higher productivity. Thus, it pays w(e) = 2 if ez eº and w(e) = 1 if e < e. Given this, what will be the level of education that each type will choose in equilibrium. Find the necessary condition on e for the education level to be an effective signal of productivity. (c) (5 points) Discuss the properties of the beliefs of the firm that support this equilib- rium. 3. Suppose there are two types of workers, k = G, B, differentiated by their productivity levels. Type G workers have productivity k = 2 and type B workers have productivity k = 1. The cost of achieving a given level of education is higher for type B than type G workers. The cost function of a type k to achieve education level e is c(e; k) = The utility function of a type k worker is u(w, e; k) = w-c(ek). (a) (10 points) Does a worker's education level affect productivity? If there was perfect information, what would be the optimal e, w be? (b) (15 points) Now suppose there is asymmetric information and the productivity level is known only to the worker. The type of the worker is not observable, but the level of education is. The firm believes that a worker with higher level of education than a threshold has higher productivity. Thus, it pays w(e) = 2 if ez eº and w(e) = 1 if e < e. Given this, what will be the level of education that each type will choose in equilibrium. Find the necessary condition on e for the education level to be an effective signal of productivity. (c) (5 points) Discuss the properties of the beliefs of the firm that support this equilib- rium.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

a Yes education can affect productivity In this case it appears that the cost of education is higher for type B workers so they may be less likely to invest in education due to the higher cost However ... View the full answer