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Procrastination and the non‐monotonic effect of deadlines on task completion

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  • Stephen Knowles
  • Maroš Servátka
  • Trudy Sullivan
  • Murat Genç

Abstract

We conduct a field experiment to test the non‐monotonic effect of deadline length on task completion. Participants are invited to complete an online survey in which a donation goes to charity. They are given either 1 week, 1 month, or no deadline to respond. Responses are lowest for the 1‐month deadline and highest when no deadline is specified. No deadline and the 1‐week deadline feature a large number of early responses, while providing a 1‐month deadline appears to give people permission to procrastinate. If they are inattentive, they might forget to complete the task.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Knowles & Maroš Servátka & Trudy Sullivan & Murat Genç, 2022. "Procrastination and the non‐monotonic effect of deadlines on task completion," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 60(2), pages 706-720, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:60:y:2022:i:2:p:706-720
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13042
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    Cited by:

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    2. Lorko, Matej & Servátka, Maroš & Zhang, Le, 2023. "Hidden inefficiency: Strategic inflation of project schedules," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 206(C), pages 313-326.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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