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Performance Evaluations and Efficient Sorting

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  • KOROK RAY

Abstract

Much of the production in firms takes place over time. This paper seeks to understand the value of interim performance information on long projects. In particular, the model explores the sorting effects of performance evaluations. Conducting an interim performance evaluation increases efficiency by providing the option to end projects with low early returns. The main result: It is efficient to allocate more resources towards the end of a project. This result holds under a variety of scenarios: when the worker has unknown ability, when the outside options vary with output, and even under an agency framework with a risk‐averse agent.

Suggested Citation

  • Korok Ray, 2007. "Performance Evaluations and Efficient Sorting," Journal of Accounting Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 45(4), pages 839-882, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:joares:v:45:y:2007:i:4:p:839-882
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-679X.2007.00253.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Matějka & Korok Ray, 2017. "Balancing difficulty of performance targets: theory and evidence," Review of Accounting Studies, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 1666-1697, December.
    2. Bin R. Chen & Sanxi Li, 2018. "Prehire Screening and Subjective Performance Evaluations," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 64(10), pages 4953-4965, October.
    3. Au, Pak Hung & Chen, Bin R., 2019. "Objective and subjective indicators in long-term contracting," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 309-331.
    4. Ray, Korok, 2017. "Online Outsourcing and the Future of Work," Working Papers 07390, George Mason University, Mercatus Center.
    5. Chen, Bin R., 2015. "Subjective performance feedback, ability attribution, and renegotiation-proof contracts," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 117(C), pages 155-174.
    6. Bin R. Chen & Y. Stephen Chiu, 2013. "Interim Performance Evaluation in Contract Design," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 123, pages 665-698, June.

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