The Effect of Exposure: Evidence from Spatial Choices in Nairobi

17.02.2026 14:15 – 15:30

GENEVA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

Jointly with Andreas Moxnes, Joshua Dean and Oluchi Mbonu

Abstract:

How much do people dislike opportunities they have never been exposed to, and why? We study how exposure affects work location decisions of casual workers. We offer short-term employment and randomize training locations to induce novel exposures. Participants sacrifice 22% of the median daily wage to avoid working in a location never visited before; one hour-long visit eliminates this premium. Workers anticipate two thirds of the effect exposure has on their later preferences. Results are most consistent with perceived fixed costs of exposure rather than sorting or quality uncertainty. Unfamiliar neighbourhoods are also less likely to enter workers' consideration sets.

Biographical note: Please see
https://www.economics.harvard.edu/people/gabriel-kreindler

It will be hybrid via Webex. Please click here:
https://iheid.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/iheid/meeting/download/38f0da60a8164433a30d41d67efcf1d7?MTID=m26781514a523aced6d81f0811449dd16

The presenter will be available as of 14:00 for a short exchange with participants.

Lieu

Bâtiment: Maison de la paix

Graduate Institute
2 Chemin Eugène-Rigot,
Petal 1, Room S5
1202 Genève

entrée libre