Journal Article

The Aggregate Implications of Size-Dependent Distortions


Abstract: This article examines the aggregate implications of size-dependent distortions. These regulations misallocate labor across firms and hence reduce aggregate productivity. The author then considers a case study of labor laws in France, where firms with 50 employees or more face substantially more regulation than firms with fewer than 50. The size distribution of firms is visibly distorted by these regulations: There are many firms with exactly 49 employees. A quantitative model is developed with a payroll tax of 0.15 percent that applies only to firms with more than 50 employees. Removing the regulation while holding total employment constant leads to an increase in output of around 0.3 percent.

JEL Classification: E23; O1; O40;

https://doi.org/10.20955/r.2018.73-85

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Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Part of Series: Review

Publication Date: 2018

Volume: 100

Issue: 1