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Distributional Preferences, Reciprocity-Like Behavior, and Efficiency in Bilateral Exchange

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  • Daniel J. Benjamin

Abstract

Under what conditions do distributional preferences, such as altruism or a concern for fair outcomes, generate efficient trade? I analyze theoretically a simple bilateral exchange game: each player sequentially takes an action that reduces his own material payoff but increases the other player's. Each player's preferences may depend on both his/her own material payoff and the other player's. I identify two key properties of the second-mover's preferences: indifference curves kinked around "fair" material-payoff distributions, and materials payoffs entering preferences as "normal goods". Either property can drive reciprocity-like behavior and generate a Pareto efficient outcome. (JEL C78, D63, D64)

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel J. Benjamin, 2015. "Distributional Preferences, Reciprocity-Like Behavior, and Efficiency in Bilateral Exchange," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 7(1), pages 70-98, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmic:v:7:y:2015:i:1:p:70-98
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/mic.20120109
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Castillo, Marco E. & Cross, Philip J. & Freer, Mikhail, 2019. "Nonparametric utility theory in strategic settings: Revealing preferences and beliefs from proposal–response games," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 60-82.
    2. Daniel J. Benjamin, 2015. "A Theory of Fairness in Labour Markets," The Japanese Economic Review, Japanese Economic Association, vol. 66(2), pages 182-225, June.
    3. Wolfgang Buchholz & Todd Sandler, 2017. "Successful Leadership in Global Public Good Provision: Incorporating Behavioural Approaches," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 67(3), pages 591-607, July.
    4. Emel Filiz-Ozbay & John C. Ham & John H. Kagel & Erkut Y. Ozbay, 2018. "The role of cognitive ability and personality traits for men and women in gift exchange outcomes," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 21(3), pages 650-672, September.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C78 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Bargaining Theory; Matching Theory
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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