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Relative performance feedback: Effective or dismaying?

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  • Gjedrem, William Gilje

Abstract

In this experiment, I analyze whether the provision of relative performance feedback differently affects the performance of subjects when provided in various feedback environments. Subjects were ranked either relative to the performance of many subjects in the past or relative to three subjects working alongside themselves. Results indicate that the response from subjects in the former varies with how they perceived their own ability to solve the task. Those reporting low ability reduce their performance when provided with the feedback, whereas those reporting high ability improve. For subjects who were ranked relative to others working alongside themselves, no one respond negatively, but only those reporting high ability improve their performance. An important implication from this, especially for managers who design feedback policies in organizations, is that the way relative feedback is designed may lead to different behavioral reactions. In particular, the choice of benchmark used to relatively rank employees may result in responses that are not beneficial and lead to inefficient use of resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Gjedrem, William Gilje, 2018. "Relative performance feedback: Effective or dismaying?," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 1-16.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:74:y:2018:i:c:p:1-16
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2018.02.008
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    Cited by:

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    3. Hoffmann, Christin & Thommes, Kirsten, 2020. "Can digital feedback increase employee performance and energy efficiency in firms? Evidence from a field experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 49-65.
    4. Abel, Martin, 2019. "Do Workers Discriminate against Female Bosses?," IZA Discussion Papers 12611, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Feedback; Personnel; Motivation; Productivity; Experiment; Incentives;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects
    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights

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