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Efficiency Gains from Team-Based Coordination: Large-Scale Experimental Evidence

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  • Feri, Francesco

    (University of Innsbruck)

  • Irlenbusch, Bernd

    (University of Cologne)

  • Sutter, Matthias

    (Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods)

Abstract

The need for efficient coordination is ubiquitous in organizations and industries. The literature on the determinants of efficient coordination has focused on individual decision-making so far. In reality, however, teams often have to coordinate with other teams. We present an experiment with 825 participants, using six different coordination games, where either individuals or teams interact with each other. We find that teams coordinate much more efficiently than individuals. This finding adds one important cornerstone to the recent literature on the conditions for successful coordination. We explain the differences between individuals and teams using the experience weighted attraction learning model.

Suggested Citation

  • Feri, Francesco & Irlenbusch, Bernd & Sutter, Matthias, 2008. "Efficiency Gains from Team-Based Coordination: Large-Scale Experimental Evidence," IZA Discussion Papers 3741, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp3741
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    coordination games; individual decision-making; experience-weighted attraction learning; team decision-making; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C71 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Cooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior

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