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In-group competition for incentives

Author

Listed:
  • Olabisi, Michael
  • Maredia, Mywish
  • Liu, Jiawen
  • Ajibade, Toyin
  • Ajeigbe, Hakeem

Abstract

How can one motivate field staff to meet activity goals on time? Can introducing competition within groups motivate workers to meet goals faster than simply setting targets for workers? We conducted an experiment that assigned temporary field workers for a mobile app registration project into two treatment groups: field workers pursuing individual goals versus competing for a shared group-goal. We measure whether field workers reached their goal, the time to reach the goal, and the number of registered users per field worker. Our model suggests that field workers complete tasks more quickly with in-group competitive targets compared to individual targets. In line with this prediction, we observed that in-group competition led to an increased number of registrations and faster target achievement. Although the effects do not significantly vary by gender, the competition treatment proved more effective for employed individuals, those with less experience, and those with higher ability.

Suggested Citation

  • Olabisi, Michael & Maredia, Mywish & Liu, Jiawen & Ajibade, Toyin & Ajeigbe, Hakeem, 2024. "In-group competition for incentives," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:171:y:2024:i:c:s0304387824000695
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2024.103320
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Youth; Employment incentives; Field workers; Competition; Randomized controlled trial;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology

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