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Complementarity of Performance Pay and Task Allocation

Author

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  • Bryan Hong

    (New York University (NYU) - Leonard N. Stern School of Business)

  • Lorenz Kueng

    (University of Lugano - Faculty of Economics; Swiss Finance Institute; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management)

  • Mu-Jeung Yang

    (University of Washington - Department of Economics)

Abstract

Complementarity between performance pay and other organizational design elements has been argued to be one potential explanation for stark differences in the observed productivity gains from performance pay adoption. Using detailed data on internal organization for a nationally representative sample of firms, we empirically test for the existence of complementarity between performance pay incentives and decentralization of decision-making authority for tasks. To address endogeneity concerns, we exploit regional variation in income tax progressivity as an instrument for the adoption of performance pay. We find systematic evidence of complementarity between performance pay and decentralization of decision-making from principals to employees. However, adopting performance pay also leads to centralization of decision-making authority from non-managerial to managerial employees. The findings suggest that performance pay adoption leads to a concentration of decision-making control at the managerial employee level, as opposed to a general movement towards more decentralization throughout the organization.

Suggested Citation

  • Bryan Hong & Lorenz Kueng & Mu-Jeung Yang, 2020. "Complementarity of Performance Pay and Task Allocation," Swiss Finance Institute Research Paper Series 20-31, Swiss Finance Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chf:rpseri:rp2031
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    performance pay; decentralization; management practices;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D2 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations
    • G29 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Other
    • H32 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents - - - Firm
    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • L2 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior
    • M1 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration
    • M5 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics

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