The dynamics underlying the rise of star performers

Abstract

Across different domains, there are ‘star performers’ who are able to generate disproportionate levels of performance output. To date, little is known about the model principles underlying the rise of star performers. Here, we propose that star performers' abilities develop according to a multi-dimensional, multiplicative and dynamical process. Based on existing literature, we defined a dynamic network model, including different parameters functioning as enhancers or inhibitors of star performance. The enhancers were multiplicity of productivity, monopolistic productivity, job autonomy, and job complexity, whereas productivity ceiling was an inhibitor. These enhancers and inhibitors were expected to influence the tail-heaviness of the performance distribution. We therefore simulated several samples of performers, thereby including the assumed enhancers and inhibitors in the dynamic networks, and compared their tail-heaviness. Results showed that the dynamic network model resulted in heavier and lighter tail distributions, when including the enhancer- and inhibitor-parameters, respectively. Together, these results provide novel insights into the dynamical principles that give rise to star performers in the population