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  4. October 2009
  5. Peer Effects in the Workplace: Evidence from Random Groupings in Professional Golf Tournaments

Peer Effects in the Workplace: Evidence from Random Groupings in Professional Golf Tournaments

  • Jonathan Guryan
  • Kory Kroft
  • Matthew J. Notowidigdo
American Economic Journal: Applied Economics
vol. 1, no. 4, October 2009
(pp. 34-68)
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Abstract

This paper uses random assignment in professional golf tournaments to test for peer effects in the workplace. We find no evidence that playing partners' ability affects performance, contrary to recent evidence on peer effects in the workplace from laboratory experiments, grocery scanners, and soft fruit pickers. In our preferred specification, we can rule out peer effects larger than 0.043 strokes for a one stroke increase in playing partners' ability. Our results complement existing studies on workplace peer effects and are useful in explaining how social effects vary across labor markets, across individuals, and with the form of incentives faced. (JEL D83, J44, L83)

Citation

Guryan, Jonathan, Kory Kroft, and Matthew J. Notowidigdo. 2009. "Peer Effects in the Workplace: Evidence from Random Groupings in Professional Golf Tournaments." American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 1 (4): 34-68. DOI: 10.1257/app.1.4.34

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • D83 Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief
  • J44 Professional Labor Markets; Occupational Licensing
  • L83 Sports; Gambling; Recreation; Tourism
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