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Multiperson Tournaments: An Experimental Examination

Author

Listed:
  • Alannah Orrison

    (Department of Economics, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, California 92692)

  • Andrew Schotter

    (Department of Economics, New York University, New York, New York 10003-6687)

  • Keith Weigelt

    (Department of Management, The Wharton School, 2000 Steinberg Hall---Dietrich Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6370)

Abstract

Modern hierarchical organizations, like corporations, must motivate agents to work hard. Given their pyramid structure, it is not surprising that one commonly used motivator is the promotion tournament. In such tournaments, agents compete to advance to positions at higher organizational levels. Though these tournaments are common, little research has empirically looked at the interface of organizational structure and tournament design. This paper aims to take a step in filling this void by comparing the performance of various tournament designs using controlled laboratory techniques.

Suggested Citation

  • Alannah Orrison & Andrew Schotter & Keith Weigelt, 2004. "Multiperson Tournaments: An Experimental Examination," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 50(2), pages 268-279, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:50:y:2004:i:2:p:268-279
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.1030.0128
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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