The Theory of Assortative Matching Based on Costly Signals

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Hoppe, Heidrun C.; Moldovanu, Benny; Sela, Aner
• 署名单位: Leibniz University Hannover; University of Bonn; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMIC STUDIES
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6527
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-937X.2008.00517.x
• 发表日期: 2009
• 页码: 253-281
• 关键词: efficient; distributions; COMPETITION; INEQUALITY; entry

摘要

We study two-sided markets with a finite number of agents on each side, and with two-sided incomplete information. Agents are matched assortatively on the basis of costly signals. Asymmetries in signalling activity between the two sides of the market can be explained by asymmetries either in size or in heterogeneity. Our main results identify general conditions under which the potential increase in expected output due to assortative matching (relative to random matching) is offset by the costs of signalling. Finally, we examine the limit model with a continuum of agents and point out differences and similarities to the finite version. Technically, the paper is based on the elegant theory about stochastic order relations among differences of order statistics, pioneered by Barlow and Proschan in 1966 in the framework of reliability theory.