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The Influence of Social Pressure and Nationality on Individual Decisions: Evidence from the Behaviour of Referees

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Dawson

    (Uni Bath, UK)

  • Stephen Dobson

    (Nottingham Trent Uni, UK)

Abstract

This study considers the influences on agents’ decisions in an international context. Using data from five seasons of European cup football matches it is found that referees favour home teams when awarding yellow and red cards. Previous research on referee decisions in national leagues has identified social pressure as a key reason for favouritism. While social pressure is also found to be an important influence in this study, the international setting shows that nationality is another important influence on the decision-making of referees. In considering principal-agent relationships account needs to be taken not only of how agents (referees) decide under social pressure but also of how national identity shapes agents’ decision making.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Dawson & Stephen Dobson, 2009. "The Influence of Social Pressure and Nationality on Individual Decisions: Evidence from the Behaviour of Referees," NCER Working Paper Series 46, National Centre for Econometric Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:qut:auncer:2009_59
    as

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    File URL: http://www.ncer.edu.au/papers/documents/WPNo46.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social pressure; nationality; decision-making; referee home bias; football;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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