Work

Small numbers matching markets: Unstable and inefficient due to over-competition?

Year: 2009
Type: preprint
Abstract: The extant literature on matching markets assumes ordinal preferences for matches, while bargaining within matches is mostly excluded. Central for this paper, however, is the bargaining over joint profits from potential matches. We investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, a seemingly simple allocation task in a 2x2 market with repeated negotiations. More than 75% of the experimental allocations are unstable, and 40% of the matches are inefficient (in cases where inefficiency is possible). By defining the novel concept 'altruistic core', we can explain the occurrence of inefficient matches as well as the significant behavioral differences among our six treatments.
Authors: Philipp Otto, Friedel Bolle
Language: English
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1685572679
Cites: 37
Cited by: 1
Related to: 10