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Leading by Words: A Voluntary Contribution Experiment With One-Way Communication

Author

Listed:
  • Anastasios Koukoumelis

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Strategic Interaction Group, Jena)

  • M. Vittoria Levati

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Strategic Interaction Group, Jena)

  • Johannes Weisser

    (Max Planck Institute of Economics, Strategic Interaction Group, Jena)

Abstract

We use experimental methods to study the power of leading by words. The context is a voluntary contribution mechanism with one-way communication. One group member can send a free-form text message to his fellow players. Contrary to the commonly-accepted wisdom that the cooperation-enhancing effect of communication re quires the mutual exchange of promises, we find that the introduction of one-way communication increases contributions substantially and decreases their variation. When communication is one-shot, its effect on contribution levels persists over time. Moreover, one-way communication is effective even in the absence of strategic concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Anastasios Koukoumelis & M. Vittoria Levati & Johannes Weisser, 2009. "Leading by Words: A Voluntary Contribution Experiment With One-Way Communication," Jena Economics Research Papers 2009-106, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2009-106
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods experiment; Computer-mediated communication; Cheap talk; Cooperation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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