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More effort with less pay: On information avoidance, optimistic beliefs, and performance

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  • Huck, Steffen
  • Szech, Nora
  • Wenner, Lukas M.

Abstract

Neoclassical theory presumes that agents value instrumental information. In contrast, recent behavioral studies motivate and model information avoidance. We study preferences for and against instrumental information in a real-effort task varying information structures on performance pay. Our study offers three main results. First, we confirm that both, preferences for and against instrumental information, exist. Second, information avoiders outperform information receivers. This result holds independently of effects of self-selection. Third, our findings about information avoiders can be aligned with behavioral theories of optimistic belief design.

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  • Huck, Steffen & Szech, Nora & Wenner, Lukas M., 2025. "More effort with less pay: On information avoidance, optimistic beliefs, and performance," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 174(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:174:y:2025:i:c:s0014292125000157
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.104965
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Optimal expectations; Belief design; Real effort task; Coarse incentive structures; Workplace incentives;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • D84 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Expectations; Speculations
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects

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