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Research ArticleArticle

Nonbinding Peer Review and Effort in Teams

Evidence from a Field Experiment

Kristian Behrens and Matthieu Chemin
Journal of Human Resources, October 2020, 55 (4) 1365-1399; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.55.4.0717-8907R2
Kristian Behrens
Kristian Behrens is a professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation; and CEPR, UKMatthieu Chemin is a professor of economics in the Department of Economics, McGill University, Canada; CIREQ, Canada; and CIRANO, Canada
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  • For correspondence: [email protected]
Matthieu Chemin
Kristian Behrens is a professor of economics in the Department of Economics, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada; National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation; and CEPR, UKMatthieu Chemin is a professor of economics in the Department of Economics, McGill University, Canada; CIREQ, Canada; and CIRANO, Canada
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Abstract

Individuals tend to free-ride in teams, thus providing inefficiently low effort. We implement a system of confidential peer review in a randomly selected set of teams, whereby teammates complete an online survey to review the effort of their peers. These reviews are not linked to any rewards or sanctions, thus making them nonbinding. We find that nonbinding peer reviews increase effort and team productivity and do not decrease worker morale. The effects are stronger for low-ability individuals in low-ability teams, where the traditional forces of peer effects may be absent.

JEL Classification
  • J24
  • I20
  • Received July 2017.
  • Accepted November 2018.
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Journal of Human Resources: 55 (4)
Journal of Human Resources
Vol. 55, Issue 4
2 Oct 2020
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Nonbinding Peer Review and Effort in Teams
Kristian Behrens, Matthieu Chemin
Journal of Human Resources Oct 2020, 55 (4) 1365-1399; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.55.4.0717-8907R2

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Nonbinding Peer Review and Effort in Teams
Kristian Behrens, Matthieu Chemin
Journal of Human Resources Oct 2020, 55 (4) 1365-1399; DOI: 10.3368/jhr.55.4.0717-8907R2
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • I. Introduction
    • II. Experimental Design
    • III. Estimating Equation
    • IV. Randomization and Balance of Observable Characteristics
    • V. Results
    • VI. Conclusions
    • Appendix 1 Detailed Results for All Control Variables (Individual, Team, and Classroom) Used in Table 4
    • Appendix 2 Replication in a Second University
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Keywords

  • J24
  • I20
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