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Job Security and Risk‐Taking: Theory and Evidence From Professional Football

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  • Peter Slade
  • Tor Tolhurst

Abstract

This article investigates how job security impacts risky decision making. In a theoretical model, we show how risk‐taking can be affected by job security. Agents with moderate job security become more risk averse as their job security increases. Conversely, agents with very high (or low) job security act in a more risk neutral manner. We test these predictions using data on head coaching decisions from the National Football League, finding that job security has a negative and statistically significant effect on risk‐taking.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Slade & Tor Tolhurst, 2019. "Job Security and Risk‐Taking: Theory and Evidence From Professional Football," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 85(3), pages 899-918, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:soecon:v:85:y:2019:i:3:p:899-918
    DOI: 10.1002/soej.12313
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    References listed on IDEAS

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