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Behavioral Spillovers in Coordination Games

Author

Listed:
  • Timothy N. Cason

    (Department of Economics, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University)

  • Anya C. Savikhin

    (Becker Friedman Institute for Economic Research, The University of Chicago)

  • Roman Sheremeta

    (Argyros School of Business and Economics, Chapman University)

Abstract
Motivated by problems of coordination failure observed in weak-link games, we experimentally investigate behavioral spillovers for minimum- and median-effort coordination games. Subjects play these coordination games simultaneously and sequentially. The results show that successful coordination on the Pareto optimal equilibrium in the median game influences behavior in the minimum game when the games are played sequentially. Moreover, this positive, Pareto-improving spillover is present even when group composition changes across games, although the effect is not as strong. We also find that the precedent for uncooperative behavior in the minimum game does not influence play in the median game. These findings suggest guidelines for increasing cooperative behavior within organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Timothy N. Cason & Anya C. Savikhin & Roman Sheremeta, 2011. "Behavioral Spillovers in Coordination Games," Working Papers 11-20, Chapman University, Economic Science Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:chu:wpaper:11-20
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    coordination; order-statistic games; experiments; cooperation; minimum game; median game; behavioral spillover;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior

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