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Selection by committee: Anonymity and gratitude

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  • Balletta, Luigi
  • Modica, Salvatore

Abstract

What kind of candidate is selected into a job when the principal has to appoint a committee to measure the candidates’ ability and select a winner? We find that if the committee takes into account the candidate’s gratitude towards them, a candidate with less than first best ability will be selected. A relevant exception may occur if the first best is the overall best candidate. First best selection is always achieved if the committee is anonymous to the candidates. If the committee is not detached enough from the candidates then delegation fares even worse than random selection.

Suggested Citation

  • Balletta, Luigi & Modica, Salvatore, 2018. "Selection by committee: Anonymity and gratitude," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 72(4), pages 511-517.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reecon:v:72:y:2018:i:4:p:511-517
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rie.2018.10.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Candidate selection; Expert appointment; Gratitude and reciprocity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • M51 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Firm Employment Decisions; Promotions

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