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Specialist vs. Generalist: Efficiency in Multitasking

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  • Buchen, Clemens
  • Kragl, Jenny
  • Palermo, Alberto

Abstract

We show that under multitasking — where tasks can be substitutes or complements — a specialist worker with an uneven skill distribution can outperform a generalist with higher average skills. We use a principal–agent model to study worker efficiency and welfare. The main result is robust if a rent-efficiency trade-off is added.

Suggested Citation

  • Buchen, Clemens & Kragl, Jenny & Palermo, Alberto, 2021. "Specialist vs. Generalist: Efficiency in Multitasking," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 199(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:199:y:2021:i:c:s0165176520304596
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2020.109699
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    10. Jed DeVaro & Oliver Gürtler, 2016. "Strategic Shirking: A Theoretical Analysis Of Multitasking And Specialization," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 57, pages 507-532, May.
    11. John S. Hughes & Li Zhang & Jai†Zheng James Xie, 2005. "Production Externalities, Congruity of Aggregate Signals, and Optimal Task Assignments," Contemporary Accounting Research, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 22(2), pages 393-408, June.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Fangqing Zhang & Xiaolong Wu & Shujun Zhang, 2022. "Exploring the Continuous Motivation of Algorithm Engineers under Multiple Objectives: A Mixed-Methods Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-17, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multitask model; Incentives; Specialization; Generalist; Skills;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D86 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Economics of Contract Law
    • M12 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Personnel Management; Executives; Executive Compensation
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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