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The Contribution of Managers to Organizational Success

Author

Listed:
  • Gerd Muehlheusser
  • Sandra Schneemann
  • Dirk Sliwka
  • Niklas Wallmeier

Abstract

We study the impact of managers on the success of professional soccer teams using data from the German Bundesliga , where we are exploiting the high turnover rate of managers between teams to disentangle the managers’ contributions. Teams employing a manager from the top of the ability distribution gain on average considerably more points than those employing a manager from the bottom. Moreover, estimated abilities have significant predictive power for future performance. Managers also affect teams’ playing style. Finally, teams whose manager has been a former professional player perform worse on average compared to managers without a professional player career.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerd Muehlheusser & Sandra Schneemann & Dirk Sliwka & Niklas Wallmeier, 2018. "The Contribution of Managers to Organizational Success," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 19(6), pages 786-819, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:19:y:2018:i:6:p:786-819
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002516674760
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Thomas Peeters & Jan C. van Ours, 2022. "International Assortative Matching in the European Labor Market," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 22-057/V, Tinbergen Institute.
    3. Raphael Flepp & Egon Franck, 2021. "The Performance Effects Of Wise And Unwise Managerial Dismissals," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 59(1), pages 186-198, January.
    4. Kaori Narita & J.D. Tena & Babatunde Buraimo, 2022. "Causal and Consequences of Multiple Dismissals: Evidence from Italian Football League," Working Papers 202226, University of Liverpool, Department of Economics.
    5. Luigi Buzzacchi & Federico Caviggioli & Francesco Luigi Milone & Davide Scotti, 2021. "Impact and Efficiency Ranking of Football Managers in the Italian Serie A: Sport and Financial Performance," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 22(7), pages 744-776, October.
    6. Lukas Tohoff & Mario Mechtel, 2022. "Fading Shooting Stars – The Relative Age Effect, Misallocation of Talent, and Returns to Training in German Elite Youth Soccer," Working Paper Series in Economics 413, University of Lüneburg, Institute of Economics.
    7. Kaori Narita & Benjamin Holmes & Ian McHale, 2022. "Managerial Contribution to Firm Success: Evidence from Professional Football Leagues," Working Papers 202224, University of Liverpool, Department of Economics.
    8. Kaori Naritaa & J .D. Tenaa & Claudio Detottoc, 2020. "What Makes the Ideal Profile of a New Manager in Times of Adversity? Evidence from Italian Serie A," Working Papers 202031, University of Liverpool, Department of Economics.
    9. David Boto-Garcìa & Alessandro Bucciol & Luca Zarri, 2020. "Managerial Beliefs and Firm Performance: Field Evidence from Professional Elite Soccer," Working Papers 19/2020, University of Verona, Department of Economics.
    10. Thomas (T.L.P.R.) Peeters & Stefan Szymanski & Marko Terviö, 2017. "The inefficient advantage of experience in the market for football managers," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 17-116/VII, Tinbergen Institute.

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