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Leading-by-Example: A meta-analysis

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  • Gerald Eisenkopf
  • Torben Kölpin

Abstract

We provide a parsimonious model of leadership in social dilemma situations and test it with a meta-analysis of experimental studies. We focus on studies with treatments that allow for sequential contributions to a public good (as in Güth et al. (2007)). The group members observe the contribution of a leader before contributing themselves. We compare the results with simultaneous contribution treatments from the same studies. Our results confirm that the establishment of a leader indeed leads to persistently higher and more coordinated contributions. As predicted, the aggregate effect remains stable over time and increases in group size even though leaders and followers have more divergent contribution patterns in larger groups. We also find empirical support for an explanation of the observed 'leader’s curse'.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerald Eisenkopf & Torben Kölpin, 2021. "Leading-by-Example: A meta-analysis," TWI Research Paper Series 125, Thurgauer Wirtschaftsinstitut, Universität Konstanz.
    • Handle: RePEc:twi:respas:0125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lisa Bruttel & Gerald Eisenkopf & Juri Nithammer, 2024. "Pre-election communication in public good games with endogenous leaders," CEPA Discussion Papers 73, Center for Economic Policy Analysis.

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    Keywords

    Leading-by-Example; Cooperation; Meta-analysis; Voluntary contribution;
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