Journal of Economic Perspectives
ISSN 0895-3309 (Print) | ISSN 1944-7965 (Online)
Field Experiments with Firms
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 25,
no. 3, Summer 2011
(pp. 63–82)
(Complimentary)
Abstract
We discuss how the use of field experiments sheds light on long-standing research questions relating to firm behavior. We present insights from two classes of experiments—within and across firms—and draw common lessons from both sets. Field experiments within firms generally aim to shed light on the nature of agency problems. Along these lines, we discuss how field experiments have provided new insights on shirking behavior and the provision of monetary and nonmonetary incentives. Field experiments across firms generally aim to uncover firms' binding constraints by exogenously varying the availability of key inputs such as labor, physical capital, and managerial capital. We conclude by discussing some of the practical issues researchers face when designing experiments and by highlighting areas for further research.Citation
Bandiera, Oriana, Iwan Barankay, and Imran Rasul. 2011. "Field Experiments with Firms." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 25 (3): 63–82. DOI: 10.1257/jep.25.3.63JEL Classification
- C93 Field Experiments
- D21 Firm Behavior: Theory
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