Working Paper: CEPR ID: DP10631
Authors: Youjin Hahn; Asadul Islam; Eleonora Patacchini; Yves Zenou
Abstract: We study the relationship between network centrality and educational outcomes using a field experiment in primary schools in Bangladesh. After obtaining information on friendship networks, we randomly allocate students into groups and give them individual and group assignments. We find that the groups that perform the best are those whose members have high Katz-Bonacich and key-player centralities. Leaders are mostly responsible for this effect, while bad apples have little influence. Group members' network centrality is also important in shaping individual performance. We show that network centrality captures non-cognitive skills, especially patience and competitiveness.
Keywords: leaders; network centrality; soft skills; team work
JEL Codes: A14; C93; D01; I20
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| network centrality (D85) | educational outcomes (I26) |
| average Katz-Bonacich centrality (D79) | group performance (C92) |
| keyplayer centrality (D79) | group performance (C92) |
| group members’ centrality (D71) | individual performance (D29) |
| network centrality (D85) | noncognitive skills (G53) |
| noncognitive skills (G53) | educational outcomes (I26) |