The plant size-place effect: agglomeration and monopsony in labour markets

Manning, Alan (2007) The plant size-place effect: agglomeration and monopsony in labour markets. CEPDP, 773. Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK. ISBN 0753019906

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Abstract

This paper shows, using data from both the US and the UK, that average plant size is larger in denser markets. However, many popular theories of agglomeration – spillovers, cost advantages and improved match quality – predict that establishments should be smaller in cities. The paper proposes a theory based on monopsony in labour markets that can explain the stylized fact – that firms in all labour markets have some market power but that they have less market power in cities. It also presents evidence that the labour supply curve to individual firms is more elastic in larger markets.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk
Additional Information:	© 2007 Alan Manning
Library of Congress subject classification:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Journal of Economic Literature Classification System:	J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J4 - Particular Labor Markets > J42 - Monopsony; Segmented Labor Markets R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R2 - Household Analysis > R23 - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J2 - Time Allocation, Work Behavior, and Employment Determination and Creation; Human Capital; Retirement > J21 - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
Sets:	Collections > Economists Online Research centres and groups > Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) Departments > Economics
Identification Number:	773
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2008 14:36
URL:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/19765/

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