To err is social: Network prominence and its effects on self-estimation

In studying professional productivity, researchers find that actors do not always accurately perceive their productivity levels. Yet the literature does not provide an adequate explanation as to why these errors occur. This study examines the effects of network prominence on the self-estimation of productivity. I contend that network prominence is indicated through a variety of dimensions-visibility, connectedness, and professional affiliation-each of which has varying influence on the self-estimation process. This influence is best understood by exploring actors' internal vs. external attributions of prominence. Specifically, when actors attribute their prominence to internal efforts, they will tend to overestimate their productivity. Conversely, when actors attribute their network prominence to external circumstances, they will underestimate their productivity. The distinction between internal and external attributions of prominence relies, in large part, on the process of social comparison.