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The Napoleon complex revisited

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  • Mario Lackner

Abstract

We analyse evaluation biases caused by physical attributes. Using data from German elite soccer, we find that referees are more inclined to sanction players when the difference in body size is sufficiently large. Moreover, we document an 'inverse Napoleon effect' in situations when the referee is confronted with smaller players, suggesting that sanctions are used as a substitute for authority gained by stature in the industry. Further analyses reveal that referees discriminate less against more talented players and teams with a higher concentration of these players. Finally, we find that the bias is reduced but still exists for the group of more experienced referees.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Lackner, 2024. "The Napoleon complex revisited," Economics working papers 2024-06, Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria.
    • Handle: RePEc:jku:econwp:2024-06
    Note: English
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    File URL: http://www.economics.jku.at/papers/2024/wp2406.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    evaluation; discrimination; social dominance; referee bias; soccer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
    • Z20 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - General

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