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Corrupt third parties undermine trust and prosocial behaviour between people

Author

Listed:
  • Giuliana Spadaro

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

  • Catherine Molho

    (Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse
    University of Amsterdam)

  • Jan-Willem Prooijen

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR)
    Maastricht University)

  • Angelo Romano

    (Leiden University)

  • Cristina O. Mosso

    (University of Turin)

  • Paul A. M. Lange

    (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
    Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)

Abstract

Corruption is a pervasive phenomenon that affects the quality of institutions, undermines economic growth and exacerbates inequalities around the globe. Here we tested whether perceiving representatives of institutions as corrupt undermines trust and subsequent prosocial behaviour among strangers. We developed an experimental game paradigm modelling representatives as third-party punishers to manipulate or assess corruption and examine its relationship with trust and prosociality (trust behaviour, cooperation and generosity). In a sequential dyadic die-rolling task, the participants observed the dishonest behaviour of a target who would subsequently serve as a third-party punisher in a trust game (Study 1a, N = 540), in a prisoner’s dilemma (Study 1b, N = 503) and in dictator games (Studies 2–4, N = 765, pre-registered). Across these five studies, perceiving a third party as corrupt undermined interpersonal trust and, in turn, prosocial behaviour. These findings contribute to our understanding of the critical role that representatives of institutions play in shaping cooperative relationships in modern societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuliana Spadaro & Catherine Molho & Jan-Willem Prooijen & Angelo Romano & Cristina O. Mosso & Paul A. M. Lange, 2023. "Corrupt third parties undermine trust and prosocial behaviour between people," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 46-54, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:7:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41562-022-01457-w
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01457-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Columbus, Simon & Feld, Lars P. & Kasper, Matthias & Rablen, Matthew D., 2023. "Behavioural Responses to Unfair Institutions: Experimental Evidence on Rule Compliance, Norm Polarisation, and Trust," IZA Discussion Papers 16346, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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