GEE Estimation of the Covariance Structure of a Bivariate Panel Data Model with an Application to Wage Dynamics and the Incidence of Profit-Sharing in West Germany

Abstract

We propose a generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach to the estimation of the mean and covariance structure of bivariate time series processes of panel data. The one-step approach allows for mixed continuous and discrete dependent variables. A Monte Carlo Study is presented to compare our particular GEE estimator with more standard GEE-estimators. In the empirical illustration, we apply our estimator to the analysis of individual wage dynamics and the incidence of profit-sharing in West Germany. Our findings show that time-invariant unobserved individual ability jointly influences individual wages and participation in profit sharing schemes.