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First Author Determinants: An Empirical Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Mirjam van Praag

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Bernard M.S. van Praag

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

This discussion paper resulted in a publication in 'Economica', 2008, 75(300), pages 782-796. Alphabetic name ordering on multi-authored academic papers_new, which is the convention in theeconomics discipline and various other disciplines, is to the advantage of people whose lastname initials are placed early in the alphabet. As it turns out, Professor A, who has been afirst author more often than Professor Z, will have published more articles and experienced afaster growth rate over the course of her career as a result of reputation and visibility.Moreover, authors know that name ordering matters and indeed take ordering seriously:Several characteristics of an author group composition determine the decision to deviate fromthe default alphabetic name order to a significant extent.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirjam van Praag & Bernard M.S. van Praag, 2006. "First Author Determinants: An Empirical Analysis," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 03-045/3, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20030045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    performance measurement; incentives; economists; name ordering;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A14 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Sociology of Economics
    • J32 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Nonwage Labor Costs and Benefits; Retirement Plans; Private Pensions
    • J44 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Professional Labor Markets and Occupations

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