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An Experimental Study On The Relevance And Scope Of Nationality As A Coordination Device

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  • OLGA STODDARD
  • ANDREAS LEIBBRANDT

Abstract

type="main" xml:id="ecin12097-abs-0001"> In a period marked by extensive cross-national interactions, nationality may present an important focal point that individuals coordinate on. This study uses an experimental approach to study whether nationality serves as a coordination device. We let subjects from Japan, Korea, and China play coordination games in which we vary information about their partner. The results show that nationality serves as a coordination device if common nationality is the only piece of information available to the subjects. The strength of this device is nationality-dependent and diminishes when participants are provided with additional information about their partner. We also find that subjects are likely to coordinate on the Pareto-dominant equilibrium at about the same rate if the partner has a different nationality than if nationality is unknown. (JEL C91, C92, Z1, Z13)

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Stoddard & Andreas Leibbrandt, 2014. "An Experimental Study On The Relevance And Scope Of Nationality As A Coordination Device," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 52(4), pages 1392-1407, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:52:y:2014:i:4:p:1392-1407
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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