| By: |
David A. Savage;
Benno Torgler |
| Abstract: |
There is a notable shortage of empirical research directed at measuring the
magnitude and direction of stress effects on performance in a controlled
environment. One reason for this is the inherent difficulties in identifying
and isolating direct performance measures for individuals. Additionally most
traditional work environments contain a multitude of exogenous factors
impacting individual performance, but controlling for all such factors is
generally unfeasible (omitted variable bias). Moreover, instead of asking
individuals about their self-reported stress levels we observe workers’
behavior in situations that can be classified as stressful. For this reason we
have stepped outside the traditional workplace in an attempt to gain greater
controllability of these factors using the sports environment as our
experimental space. We empirically investigate the relationship between stress
and performance, in an extreme pressure situation (football penalty kicks) in
a winner take all sporting environment (FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Cup
competitions). Specifically, we examine all the penalty shootouts between 1976
and 2008 covering in total 16 events. The results indicate that extreme
stressors can have a positive or negative impact on individuals’ performance.
On the other hand, more commonly experienced stressors do not affect
professionals’ performances. |
| Keywords: |
Performance, Stressors, Sport, Behavioural Economics, Work-related stress |
| JEL: |
D80 D81 J81 Z13 |
| Date: |
2009–09–24 |
| URL: |
https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:qut:dpaper:251 |