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Multitasking and Subjective Performance Evaluations: Theory and Evidence from a Field Experiment in a Bank

Author

Listed:
  • Kathrin Manthei

    (RFH Cologne, University of Applied Sciences, 50676 Cologne, Germany)

  • Dirk Sliwka

    (Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences, University of Cologne, CesIfo, IZA, 50937 Cologne, Germany)

Abstract

We study the incentive effects of granting supervisors access to objective performance information when agents work on multiple tasks. We first analyze a formal model showing that incentives are lower powered when supervisors have no access to objective measures but assess performance subjectively by gathering information. This incentive loss is more pronounced when the span of control is larger and incentives are distorted toward more profitable tasks. We then investigate a field experiment conducted in a bank. In the treatment group, managers obtained access to objective performance measures, which raised efforts and profits. We find that the effects are driven by larger branches and lower margin products.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathrin Manthei & Dirk Sliwka, 2019. "Multitasking and Subjective Performance Evaluations: Theory and Evidence from a Field Experiment in a Bank," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 65(12), pages 5861-5883, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:65:y:2019:i:12:p:5861-5883
    DOI: 10.1287/mnsc.2018.3206
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ro’i Zultan & Eldar Dadon, 2023. "Missing the forest for the trees: when monitoring quantitative measures distorts task prioritization," Working Papers 2319, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Department of Economics.
    2. Kusterer, David & Sliwka, Dirk, 2022. "Social Preferences and Rating Biases in Subjective Performance Evaluations," IZA Discussion Papers 15496, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Grund, Christian & Sliwka, Dirk & Titz, Krystina, 2023. "Works Councils as Gatekeepers: Codetermination, Monitoring Practices, and Job Satisfaction," IZA Discussion Papers 15956, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Butschek, Sebastian & González Amor, Roberto & Kampkötter, Patrick & Sliwka, Dirk, 2022. "Motivating gig workers – evidence from a field experiment," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    5. Enzo Brox & Michael Lechner, 2024. "Teamwork and Spillover Effects in Performance Evaluations," Papers 2403.15200, arXiv.org.
    6. Elisa Gerten & Michael Beckmann & Elisa Gerten & Matthias Kräkel, 2022. "Information and Communication Technology, Hierarchy, and Job Design," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 189, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    7. Dirk Sliwka, 2020. "Bonuses and performance evaluations," IZA World of Labor, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA), pages 478-478, July.
    8. Ockenfels, Axel & Sliwka, Dirk & Werner, Peter, 2024. "Multi-Rater Performance Evaluations and Incentives," IZA Discussion Papers 16812, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    9. Manthei, Kathrin & Sliwka, Dirk & Vogelsang, Timo, 2021. "Information Provision, Incentives, and Attention: A Field Experiment on Facilitating and Influencing Managers' Decisions," IZA Discussion Papers 14199, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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