SPEAKER：Jaesun Lee（Hanyang University ERICA Campus, Associate Professor）

TIME/DATE：2025.6.24  12:00-13:00

CLASSROOM：A505

TENCENT：826694291

PW：542709

LINK：https://meeting.tencent.com/dm/XspBgcSta1kH

ABSTRACT：

Rank-order tournaments are effective incentives for performance in schools and organizations. Big data technologies make peer comparisons more accessible with a simple click on electronic devices. What is the value of rank information for agents in competitive environments? We study the effects of rank information with a real effort task on productivity in the laboratory. With a between-subject design, we compare 1) performance rank information on individual level productivity, 2) two types rank information – own-comparison (with one’s historical record) and other-comparison (with her competitors), 3) their willingness to pay (WTP) for rank information in own-comparison and other-comparison scenarios. Our results show that compared with other-comparison treatment, participants are willing to pay more to get information on own performance; and this trend does not diminish quickly with time. However, when they are given the opportunity to purchase information on rank information, they exert less effort receiving other-comparison information and the least effort receiving own-comparison, compared to no information treatment. The same pattern occurs when participants receive complimentary information. Organizations should carefully consider the design and delivery of rank-based feedback systems to optimize effort and performance.

GUEST BIO：

I am a Behavioral and Experimental economist focusing on human behavior in competitive situations, similar to those experienced in the modern life of most of people. My research topics include relative feedback, incentives, competitive behaviors in the work environments, status preferences, risk taking behaviors, and gender differences.