Petra Nieken has co-authored a new study, “Where Do I Belong? Prospective Relative Performance Information under High- and Low-Performing Reference Groups,” with Anna Ressi (WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management), published in The Accounting Review. The paper explores how relative performance information shapes motivation and behavior when employees are compared to different reference groups.

Key insights from the study:

- People adjust performance to fit group norms

- Feeling out of place can lower motivation

- Choosing your peer group can drive ambition

Find the full study here!