Hi, I'm Muhammad Arslan Iqbal 👋
PhD Economics candidate focusing on behavioral & experimental economics
University of Melbourne
My current research explores the intersection of experimental economics, behavioral economics, and responsible leadership. Specifically, I examine a critical question: what drives leaders to act responsibly when institutions are weak? Using a series of laboratory experiments, I investigate how selection mechanisms and election campaigns shape leadership behavior in contexts lacking institutional accountability and reputation concerns.
Biography
I'm a PhD Economics candidate at the University of Melbourne, specializing in experimental and behavioral economics. My research investigates the mechanisms that promote responsible leadership, particularly in contexts where institutional accountability is limited. My work combines rigorous experimental design with insights from behavioral economics to inform policy and organizational practices.
Prior to my doctoral studies, I earned a Gold Medal for my MSc in Economics from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan, and briefly worked as an Assistant Director at the State Bank of Pakistan, where I received a distinction in the comprehensive five-month theoretical training program. I've also taught at several institutions, something I genuinely love doing, as it keeps me grounded and reminds me why I fell in love with economics in the first place.
When I'm not in research and teaching mode, I'm probably hiking somewhere scenic, trying to take the perfect landscape photo, buried in a book, trying some new recipe, or deep in concentration over a chess game (just to name a few 😊).
Research Interests
Experimental & Behavioral Economics
Designing experiments that combine economic theory with behavioral and psychological insights to investigate decision-making across political, organizational, and development contexts.
Responsible Leadership
Examining how selection mechanisms, election campaigns, and institutional frameworks promote or hinder responsible behavior by leaders in organizations and political settings.
Political Economy
Investigating political economy issues such as institutional design and quality, electoral system effects, political communication and voting behavior, political competition dynamics, and bureaucratic corruption.
Development Economics
Fascinated by critical issues in development economics, including corruption, inequality, poverty, economic reforms, and governance failures, especially in environments where institutional accountability is weak and information asymmetries are pronounced.
Academic Background
PhD Economics
University of Melbourne, Australia
Dissertation: Leadership Behavior Under Weak Institutional Frameworks
🎓 In ProgressMaster of Economics
University of Melbourne, Australia
Advanced coursework in econometrics, microeconomic theory, and experimental methods
MSc Economics
University of the Punjab, Pakistan
Focus on development economics and econometric analysis
🏆 Gold MedallistProfessional Journey
Economics Tutor
University of Melbourne, Australia
Assistant Director (Officer Grade-2)
State Bank of Pakistan, Karachi
Economics Lecturer
Islamabad Model Postgraduate College, Pakistan
Assistant Director, Urban Development Wing
Lahore Development Authority, Punjab, Pakistan
Economics Lecturer
University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Technical Expertise
Experimental Tools
Statistical Analysis & Visualization
General Tools
Recent News
ANZWEE Conference Presentation
Presented at the 18th annual Australia New Zealand Workshop on Experimental Economics (ANZWEE) at Macquarie University, Australia
BEE Conference Presentation
Presented at the 7th Meeting on Behavioural and Experimental Economics (BEE) at the University of Florence, Italy
Jim Perkins PhD Travelling Scholarship
Awarded for research visit to the University of Exeter, UK
Let's Connect!
I'd love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in collaboration, have questions about my research, or just want to chat over coffee (virtual or real!), feel free to reach out.
Get in Touch