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Ability and specialization among economic researchers

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  • Todd D. Kendall

    (The John E. Walker, Department of Economics, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA)

Abstract

It is not obvious whether a firm's more talented workers should be more specialized, and in fact, the relationship between ability and specialization seems to differ across industries. In this paper, I examine the case of knowledge production in economic research, and find that abler economists tend to publish more general research. This result suggests substitutability between general and specialized skill in research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Todd D. Kendall, 2008. "Ability and specialization among economic researchers," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(8), pages 609-618.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:mgtdec:v:29:y:2008:i:8:p:609-618
    DOI: 10.1002/mde.1424
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