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Peer Learning in Teams and Work Performance: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment

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Listed:
  • Kenju Kamei

    (Faculty of Economics, Keio University)

  • John Ashworth

    (Department of Economics and Finance, Durham University)

Abstract

A novel field experiment shows that learning activities in pairs with a greater spread in abilities lead to better individual work performance, relative to those in pairs with similar abilities. The positive effect of the former is not limited to their performance in peer learning material, but it also spills over to their performance in other areas. The underlying improvement comes from the stronger increased performance of those whose achievements were weak prior to peer learning. This implies that exogenously determining learning partners with different abilities helps improve productivity through knowledge sharing and potential peer effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenju Kamei & John Ashworth, 2022. "Peer Learning in Teams and Work Performance: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2022-005, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    • Handle: RePEc:keo:dpaper:2022-005
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    peer effects; dilemma; field experiment; teamwork; knowledge sharing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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