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Be a Good Samaritan to a Good Samaritan: Field evidence of other-regarding preferences in China

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  • Chang, Simon
  • Dee, Thomas S.
  • Tse, Chun Wing
  • Yu, Li

Abstract

We conducted a large-scale lost letter experiment in Beijing, a megacity with >21 million residents, to test if the observed altruistic attribute of the letter recipient would induce more passersby to return the lost letters. The treatment letters were addressed to a nationally renowned charitable organization in China, while the control letters were intended to an invented individual. A total of 832 ready-to-be-posted letters were distributed in 208 communities across eight districts in the city. The overall return rate was 13%. Yet, the return rate of the treatment letters (17%) was nearly twice as high as that of the control letters (9%). The finding adds large-scale field experiment evidence in support of the other-regarding preferences theory. In addition, we also found that the lost letters were more likely to be returned if they were dropped in communities with a relatively higher income or a postal box located closer.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang, Simon & Dee, Thomas S. & Tse, Chun Wing & Yu, Li, 2016. "Be a Good Samaritan to a Good Samaritan: Field evidence of other-regarding preferences in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 23-33.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chieco:v:41:y:2016:i:c:p:23-33
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2016.08.007
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