A Field Study on Matching with Network Externalities

S-Tier
Journal: American Economic Review
Year: 2012
Volume: 102
Issue: 5
Pages: 1773-1804

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 4 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

We study the effects of network externalities within a protocol for matching faculty to offices in a new building. Using web and survey data on faculty's attributes and choices, we identify the different layers of the social network: institutional affiliation, coauthorships, and friendships. We quantify the effects of network externalities on choices and outcomes, disentangle the layers of the networks, and quantify their relative influence. Finally, we assess the protocol used from a welfare perspective. Our study suggests the importance and feasibility of accounting for network externalities in assignment problems and evaluates techniques that can be employed to this end. (JEL C78, C93, D62, D85, Z13)

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:aea:aecrev:v:102:y:2012:i:5:p:1773-1804
Journal Field
General
Author Count
4
Added to Database
2026-01-24