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Arithmetics of research specialization

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  • Sergey V. Popov

Abstract

In hiring decisions, universities explicitly reward focusing on a specific field. I model the use of research specialization (focusing) in hiring as a signal of ability. Without explicit reward for focusing, candidates who focus are more likely to be able. However, if job market rewards focusing, less able candidates who would otherwise be indifferent between focusing or not, start focusing, which leads to smaller likelihood of observing an able candidate among those who focus than among those who do not. Specialization works as an effective ability signal only when generation of good ideas is highly likely for all ability levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergey V. Popov, 2023. "Arithmetics of research specialization," Bulletin of Economic Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 75(4), pages 1013-1021, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:buecrs:v:75:y:2023:i:4:p:1013-1021
    DOI: 10.1111/boer.12395
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    1. James J. Heckman & Sidharth Moktan, 2020. "Publishing and Promotion in Economics: The Tyranny of the Top Five," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 58(2), pages 419-470, June.
    2. John P. Conley & Ali Sina Onder, 2014. "The Research Productivity of New PhDs in Economics: The Surprisingly High Non-success of the Successful," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 28(3), pages 205-216, Summer.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • D4 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions
    • J4 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets

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