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α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count
This paper examines the relationship between effort and distributive preferences in a setting where effort does not affect the total amount available for distribution. While prior research has shown a link from effort to distributive preferences, we provide empirical evidence of the reverse relationship: individuals who make egalitarian choices exert less effort one year later compared to those who act selfishly. To test this, we use a unique dataset from participants who participated in a real-effort experiment with distributional choices on two distinct occasions, one year apart. Our findings offer an explanation for the self-serving interpretations of fairness observed in the literature and underscore the role of distributive preferences as a key determinant of effort and productivity.