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Certified Random: A New Order for Co-Authorship

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  • Debraj Ray
  • Arthur Robson

Abstract

Alphabetical name order is the norm for joint publications in economics. However, alphabetical order confers greater benefits on the first author. In a two-author model, we introduce and study certified random order: the uniform randomization of names made universally known by a commonly understood symbol. Certified random order (a) distributes the gain from first authorship evenly over the alphabet, (b) allows either author to signal when contributions are extremely unequal, (c) will invade an environment where alphabetical order is dominant, (d) is robust to deviations, (e) may be ex-ante more efficient than alphabetical order, and (f) is no more complex than the existing alphabetical system modified by occasional reversal of name order.

Suggested Citation

  • Debraj Ray & Arthur Robson, 2016. "Certified Random: A New Order for Co-Authorship," NBER Working Papers 22602, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:22602
    Note: DEV EH IO LS ME PE POL PR
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Liran Einav & Leeat Yariv, 2006. "What's in a Surname? The Effects of Surname Initials on Academic Success," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 20(1), pages 175-187, Winter.
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    7. Jennifer Itzkowitz & Jesse Itzkowitz & Scott Rothbort, 2016. "ABCs of Trading: Behavioral Biases affect Stock Turnover and Value," Review of Finance, European Finance Association, vol. 20(2), pages 663-692.
    8. Daniel Feenberg & Ina Ganguli & Patrick Gaulé & Jonathan Gruber, 2017. "It’s Good to Be First: Order Bias in Reading and Citing NBER Working Papers," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 99(1), pages 32-39, March.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A10 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - General
    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics

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