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Traders, managers and loss aversion in investment banking: a field study

Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsWillman P, Fenton-O'Creevy MP, Soane E, Nicholson N
JournalAccounting, Organizations and Society
Volume27
Issue1/2
Pagination85-98
ISBN Number0361-3682
URLhttp://oro.open.ac.uk/1307/
Refereed DesignationRefereed

Abstract

The paper examines the management of traders in financial markets from the perspectives of agency and prospect theory. Using interview data from a sample of traders and managers in four investment banks, the paper argues that managers focus on avoiding losses rather than making gains. This focus emerges from the characteristics of managers and the nature of their role. The implications for agency and prospect theory, together with the policy issues for managers, are discussed.