The Impact of Labor Mobility Restrictions on Managerial Actions: Evidence from the Mutual Fund Industry
AFA 2019 Atlanta Meetings Paper
55 Pages Posted: 2 Apr 2018 Last revised: 27 Dec 2021
Date Written: December 19, 2019
Abstract
We examine how labor mobility restrictions in the form of non-compete clauses in employment contracts affect employee behavior. Using the mutual fund industry as testing laboratory, we show that fund managers respond to higher job termination costs due to increased enforceability of non-compete clauses by increasing their contribution to their employer’s profitability. They do so by improving their fund performance, while also increasing window dressing to attract new customers and increase fee revenues. Furthermore, the change in incentives disciplines managers’ risk taking, as shown by noticeable reductions in their portfolio risk, portfolio deviations from peers, and engagement in fund tournaments.
Keywords: labor mobility, non-compete clauses, mutual funds, career concerns
JEL Classification: D86, G23 K12, K31, M5
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation