Seminar

Past

Acquihiring for Monopsony Power

Heski Bar-Isaac

  • Date11 December 2023
  • Time 14h15 - 15h30
  • Room Auditorium 4

Abstract

It is often argued that startups are acquired for the sole purpose of hiring specialized talent. We show that the goal of such acquihires might be to shut down the most relevant labor market competitor. This grants the acquirer monopsony power over specialized talent. As a consequence, acquihiring may harm employees and be socially inefficient. We explore the robustness of these effects, allowing for private benefits associated with working at a startup, varying bargaining protocols, multiple employees with and without complementarities, and private information. (with Justin P. Johnson and Volker Nocke)

Related document(s)

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