Heterogeneity in Rent-Seeking Contests with Multiple Stages: Theory and Experimental Evidence

Hörtnagl, Tanja; Kerschbamer, Rudolf; Stracke, Rudi und Sunde, Uwe (2013): Heterogeneity in Rent-Seeking Contests with Multiple Stages: Theory and Experimental Evidence. CESifo Working Paper,

Abstract

This paper investigates how heterogeneity in contestants� investment costs affects the competition intensity in a dynamic elimination contest. Theory predicts that the absolute level of investment costs has no effect on the competition intensity in homogeneous interactions. Relative cost differences in heterogeneous interactions, however, reduce equilibrium expenditures. Evidence from lab experiments for treatments with homogeneous participants is qualitatively in line with the theoretical prediction. The effect of cost differences on expenditures is positive rather than negative, however, in all heterogeneous treatments.

• Item Type: Paper
• Faculties: Economics; Economics > Chairs > Chair for Population Economics
• Subjects: 300 Social sciences > 330 Economics
• Language: English