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Differential effects of pay-it-forward and direct-reciprocity on prosocial behavior

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  • Yang, Zhiyong
  • Janakiraman, Narayan
  • Hossain, Mehdi T.
  • Grisaffe, Douglas B.

Abstract

This research conceptualizes the distinction between pay-it-forward and direct-reciprocity tendency from a construal level perspective, and examines such differences in three studies. Study 1 develops Pay-It-Forward Tendency scale and validates it in both the U.S. and India. Study 2 uses the scale to gather data from software engineers in both the U.S. and India, showing that Indian software professionals have a lower pay-it-forward (vs. direct-reciprocity) tendency, which in turn leads to more pay-it-forward behavior, whereas American software professionals have similar levels of pay-it-forward and direct-reciprocity tendency. Consistent with the construal level account, Study 3 shows that individuals high (vs. low) in direct-reciprocity have lower preferences for charitable causes with delayed (vs. immediate) impact, whereas those high and low in pay-it-forward show equal preferences for these causes. Similarly, donation intention-behavior consistency is positively related to pay-it-forward, but negatively associated with direct-reciprocity. Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Zhiyong & Janakiraman, Narayan & Hossain, Mehdi T. & Grisaffe, Douglas B., 2020. "Differential effects of pay-it-forward and direct-reciprocity on prosocial behavior," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 121(C), pages 400-408.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:121:y:2020:i:c:p:400-408
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.11.050
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