More effort or better technologies? On the effect of relative performance feedback

Gwen-Jiro Clochard, Guillaume Hollard and Julia Wirtz

Bristol Economics Discussion Papers from School of Economics, University of Bristol, UK

Abstract: Relative performance feedback (RPF) allows agents to compare their performance to that of others. Current theory assumes that RPF affects performance by changing the optimal level of effort. We introduce a technology channel in which agents use RPF to improve their technologies. We compare the effort and technology channels by combining three elements: an extensive review, an original model and two field experiments. Under the technology channel, we highlight that RPF increases performance even at the bottom of the distribution and has a cumulative effect across periods. We draw implications for education and social norms.

Date: 2022-05-23
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cta, nep-exp and nep-hrm
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bri:uobdis:22/767

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