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Experimental evidence on financial incentives, information and decision-making

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  • Dobbs, Ian M.
  • Miller, Anthony D.

Abstract

This paper reports on a series of experiments aimed at exploring in greater detail previous work on the effects of financial incentives on information use and task performance in a principal-agent setting. The paper also develops some new statistical modelling in the area of experimental testing including incorporation into the modelling approach of data from post-experiment questionnaires. We find significant support for the finding that profit-related individual money rewards encourage increased accessing of valuable but costly past profit information by agents – and that this in turn enhances individual performance in earning profit for the agency.

Suggested Citation

  • Dobbs, Ian M. & Miller, Anthony D., 2009. "Experimental evidence on financial incentives, information and decision-making," The British Accounting Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 71-89.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bracre:v:41:y:2009:i:2:p:71-89
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bar.2008.10.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Experiments; Incentives; Learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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