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Strategic Reciprocity in a Contest with Large Stakes

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Listed:
  • Jorg Franke

    (University of Bath)

  • Alexandros Papadopoulos

Abstract

Using the unique properties of a German TV game show, we analyze the extent and implications of strategic reciprocity in sequential performance evaluations in a contest with large stakes. The sequential order of performances implies that the scope for strategic reciprocity differs systematically between participants: Contestants that perform later in the sequence evaluate their rivals before they are evaluated themselves, which creates incentives for strategic reciprocity. We find that earlier contestants benefit from this effect, resulting in a substantial negative sequence order bias. We provide estimates for the change in winning probabilities and for the financial implications of this bias.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorg Franke & Alexandros Papadopoulos, 2024. "Strategic Reciprocity in a Contest with Large Stakes," Department of Economics Working Papers 104/24, University of Bath, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:eid:wpaper:58185
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Falk, Armin & Fischbacher, Urs, 2006. "A theory of reciprocity," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 54(2), pages 293-315, February.
    2. Schüller, David & Tauchmann, Harald & Upmann, Thorsten & Weimar, Daniel, 2014. "Pro-social behavior in the TV show “Come Dine With Me”: An empirical investigation," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 44-55.
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    4. Dufwenberg, Martin & Kirchsteiger, Georg, 2004. "A theory of sequential reciprocity," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 47(2), pages 268-298, May.
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    6. Jiang Bian & Jason Greenberg & Jizhen Li & Yanbo Wang, 2022. "Good to Go First? Position Effects in Expert Evaluation of Early-Stage Ventures," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 68(1), pages 300-315, January.
    7. Stefan D. Haigner & Stefan Jenewein & Hans-Christian Müller & Florian Wakolbinger, 2010. "The first shall be last: Serial position effects in the case contestants evaluate each other," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 30(4), pages 3170-3176.
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