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Alphabetic norm and research output

Author

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  • Li, Ang
  • Li, Ben

Abstract

In what order should coauthors be listed on journal articles? The norm in the economics profession is to order them alphabetically. Our examination of 42 leading economics journals for the last 21 years finds that articles not following this norm are shorter (by 3.2 percent), published in less prestigious journals (by 5.0 percent), and receiving fewer citations (by 9.1 percent). This association survives various identification checks. Our findings shed light on how teamwork incentives interplay with social norms — in this case, a deviance from the alphabetic norm punishes alphabetically early members more than it rewards alphabetically late members.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Ang & Li, Ben, 2021. "Alphabetic norm and research output," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 185(C), pages 50-60.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:185:y:2021:i:c:p:50-60
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2021.02.015
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Alphabetic bias; Asymmetric information; Social norms; Economics profession;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A1 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights

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