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Ego-relevance in team production

Author

Listed:
  • César Mantilla

    (Universidad del Rosario)

  • Zahra Murad

    (University of Portsmouth)

Abstract
We study how individuals’ contribution to a team production task varies depending on whether the task is ego relevant or not. We design and conduct an experiment to test the effect of ego-relevance when the team output depends on the top- and the bottom-performer of the group. Ego-relevance is manipulated by calling the Raven IQ Test an “IQ Task” or a “Pattern Task”. We find that the contribution, which corresponds to an allocation of intended effort in the task, is affected by ego-relevance and the nature of the team production. However, both effects are mediated by the expected teammate’s contribution. Ego-relevance increases the responsiveness to the expected teammate’s behavior, a behavior that is also more noticeable when the team output depends on the bottom-performer. Nevertheless, we do not observe crossed-effects between ego-relevance and the nature of team production.

Suggested Citation

  • César Mantilla & Zahra Murad, 2022. "Ego-relevance in team production," Working Papers in Economics & Finance 2022-01, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth Business School, Economics and Finance Subject Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:pbs:ecofin:2022-01
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    ego-relevance; experiment; team contribution; team production;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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