Date of Graduation
5-2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Economics (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Economics
Advisor/Mentor
Li, Sherry
Committee Member
McGee, Peter J.
Second Committee Member
Brownback, Andy
Third Committee Member
Hossain, Md Amzad
Keywords
Diversity; Discrimination; Performance Dynamics
Abstract
This dissertation utilizes empirical and experimental approaches to investigate the multifaceted factors that affect decision-making in economic contexts. The three chapters place a particular focus on group affiliation, perceived discrimination, and the gender gap in entrepreneurship. The first chapter explores the impact of team diversity on economic decision-making within a dynamic context. Through a series of laboratory experiments involving participants randomly assigned to teams, the study examines how team diversity influences individual behavior and performance. Results indicate that team diversity significantly affects individual behavior, with newcomers being particularly influenced by the diversity of the team they join. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the effects of team composition on decision-making processes and performance outcomes. The second chapter delves into the implications of subjective evaluation systems for both supervisors and employees. Through experiments conducted with participants from two U.S. universities, the research examines how group affiliation influences perceived discrimination in economic decision-making. By uncovering disparities in anticipation of bias based on race and gender, the study highlights the importance of addressing systemic biases and fostering inclusive workplace environments. The third chapter investigates the dynamics of fundraising in early stage startups. Despite dominance in certain female-dominated industries, women entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding. The analysis suggests potential industry-based sorting bias, with women-led ventures performing on par or better in high-funding industries. Overall, these chapters deepen our understanding of team dynamics, job evaluations, and discrimination perceptions, while also offering insights for creating more inclusive work environments.
Citation
Agyeah, G. (2024). Exploring Diversity, Discrimination, and Performance Dynamics. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5356
