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Fairness and Retaliation: The Economics of Reciprocitys

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  • Ernst Fehr
  • Simon Gaechter

Abstract

This paper shows that reciprocity has powerful implications for many economic domains. It is an important determinant in the enforcement of contracts and social norms and enhances the possibilities of collective action greatly. Reciprocity may render the provision of explicit incentive inefficient because the incentives may crowd out voluntary co-operation. It strongly limits the effects of competition in markets with incomplete contracts and gives rise to noncompetitive wage differences. Finally, reciprocity it is also a strong force contributing to the existence of incomplete contracts.

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Paper provided by Institute for Empirical Research in Economics - University of Zurich in its series IEW - Working Papers with number 040.

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Handle: RePEc:zur:iewwpx:040

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Keywords: Reciprocity; Fairness; Social Norms; Contract Enforcement; Collective Action; Work Motivation; Labor Markets;

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