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

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  • Jonathan Guryan
  • Kory Kroft
  • Matthew J. Notowidigdo

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)

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Guryan & Kory Kroft & Matthew J. Notowidigdo, 2009. "Peer Effects in the Workplace: Evidence from Random Groupings in Professional Golf Tournaments," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 1(4), pages 34-68, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejapp:v:1:y:2009:i:4:p:34-68
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/app.1.4.34
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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    1. Peer Effects in the Workplace: Evidence from Random Groupings in Professional Golf Tournaments (American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 2009) in ReplicationWiki

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