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Piecework versus merit pay: a mean field games approach to academic behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Damien Besancenot
  • Jean-Michel Courtault
  • Khaled El Dika

Abstract

This paper applies the mean field game approach pioneered by Lasry and Lions [2007] to the analysis of researchers? academic productivity. It provides a theoretical motivation for the stability of the universally observed Lotka?s law. It shows that a remuneration scheme taking into account researchers? rank with respect to the academic resume can induce a larger number of researchers to overtake a minimal production standard. It thus appears as superior to piecework remuneration.

Suggested Citation

  • Damien Besancenot & Jean-Michel Courtault & Khaled El Dika, 2012. "Piecework versus merit pay: a mean field games approach to academic behavior," Revue d'économie politique, Dalloz, vol. 122(4), pages 547-563.
    • Handle: RePEc:cai:repdal:redp_224_0547
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    1. Jean-Michel Courtault & Eric Rimbaux & Tong Zhu, 2010. "De la réputation scientifique et de sa mesure," Revue française d'économie, Presses de Sciences-Po, vol. 0(3), pages 185-230.
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    Cited by:

    1. Damien Besancenot & Habib Dogguy, 2015. "Paradigm Shift: A Mean Field Game Approach," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 67(3), pages 289-302, July.

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