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The role of self-confidence in teamwork: experimental evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Adrian Bruhin

    (University of Lausanne)

  • Fidel Petros

    (WZB Berlin and TU Berlin)

  • Luís Santos-Pinto

    (University of Lausanne
    University of Lausanne)

Abstract

Teamwork has become increasingly important in modern organizations and the labor market. Yet, little is known about the role of self-confidence in teamwork. In this paper, we present evidence from a laboratory experiment using a team effort task. Effort and ability are complements and there are synergies between teammates’ efforts. We exogenously manipulate subjects’ self-confidence about their ability using easy and hard general knowledge quizzes. We find that overconfidence leads to more effort, less free riding, and higher team revenue. This finding is primarily due to a direct effect of overconfidence on own effort provision, while there is no evidence that subjects strategically respond to the teammate’s overconfidence.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Bruhin & Fidel Petros & Luís Santos-Pinto, 2024. "The role of self-confidence in teamwork: experimental evidence," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 27(3), pages 687-712, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:27:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s10683-024-09829-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-024-09829-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fischbacher, Urs & Gachter, Simon & Fehr, Ernst, 2001. "Are people conditionally cooperative? Evidence from a public goods experiment," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 71(3), pages 397-404, June.
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    3. repec:ebl:ecbull:v:3:y:2002:i:31:p:1-8 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Mitchell Hoffman & Stephen V. Burks, 2020. "Worker overconfidence: Field evidence and implications for employee turnover and firm profits," Quantitative Economics, Econometric Society, vol. 11(1), pages 315-348, January.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Teamwork; Self-confidence; Effort; Free riding;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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