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Demand and Supply in Labor Markets

This topic examines how the productivity of workers influences the demand for labor in a firm. Key concepts include the marginal product of labor and marginal revenue product, which determine hiring decisions based on profitability. Understanding these principles is crucial for students to grasp how changes in worker productivity or market conditions can impact employment levels and wage structures in the economy.

17 practice questions with detailed explanations

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1

How does an increase in human capital affect the demand for labor in a market economy?

When human capital increases, workers become more skilled. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher productivity means fewer w...

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2

How do fringe benefits influence the wage elasticity of labor supply in economic terms?

Fringe benefits make wages less important to workers. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that benefits make workers more sensiti...

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3

Which of the following factors most significantly influences the supply of labor in a market that offers extensive fringe benefits?

Fringe benefits like health insurance and retirement plans make jobs more appealing. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that just th...

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4

In a competitive labor market, if there is an increase in labor supply while labor demand remains unchanged, what is the likely effect on the unemployment rate?

When more people are looking for jobs but the number of jobs stays the same, there are not enough jobs for everyone. Other options are incorrect becau...

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5

In a labor market where demand for labor is influenced by fringe benefits, which of the following scenarios would lead to a new labor market equilibrium?

When employers offer more fringe benefits, more people want to work for them. Other options are incorrect because Some might think lowering the minimu...

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6

What happens to the demand for labor when the wage rate decreases, assuming all other factors remain constant?

When wages go down, it costs less for businesses to hire workers. Other options are incorrect because Some might think lower wages mean less demand; I...

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7

What happens to the labor supply curve when the number of qualified workers increases in a market?

When more qualified workers enter the market, there are more people available for jobs. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that fewe...

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8

What is the equilibrium wage in a labor market?

The equilibrium wage is where the number of workers wanting jobs matches the number of jobs available. Other options are incorrect because Some might ...

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9

When the productivity of workers increases, the demand for labor typically shifts to the right due to an increase in ________, which affects a firm's hiring decisions.

When workers are more productive, they create more value for the company. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher costs lead ...

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10

If the demand for labor increases when worker productivity rises, then the demand for a product produced by those workers would increase as the price of that product rises. Thus, A:B :: C:?

When workers are more productive, companies want to hire more of them. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that if demand for labor g...

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11

A firm notices that its most productive workers are leaving for better-paying jobs. How should the firm respond in terms of labor demand, and what economic concepts justify this action?

The firm should raise wages to keep its best workers. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests that fewer workers are needed because t...

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12

A local bakery experiences a surge in demand for its pastries due to a food festival in town. As a result, the owner decides to hire additional staff to meet this demand. How will the increase in demand for pastries likely affect the bakery's demand for labor, considering the marginal product of labor?

When more people want pastries, the bakery needs more workers. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that higher demand means higher ...

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13

If a firm's productivity increases due to better training, what is likely to happen to its demand for labor?

When workers are better trained, they can produce more in the same time. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that if workers are more...

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14

Order the following steps that a firm takes when considering changes in labor demand based on worker productivity and market conditions: A) Evaluate the marginal revenue product of labor, B) Analyze changes in worker productivity, C) Adjust hiring decisions accordingly, D) Determine the marginal product of labor.

First, a firm looks at how productive workers are. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests starting with the revenue product before c...

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15

How does an increase in the marginal product of labor affect a firm's demand for labor?

When workers become more productive, they can produce more goods in the same time. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher pr...

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16

Which of the following factors can lead to a shift in the demand for labor in a firm? (Select all that apply)

None of the options provided actually lead to a shift in labor demand. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that if workers are more p...

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17

If a firm observes an increase in the marginal product of labor, what is the most likely effect on its demand for labor?

When the marginal product of labor goes up, it means each worker is producing more. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that higher p...

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