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White lies in tournaments

Author

Listed:
  • Cao, Qian
  • Li, Jianbiao
  • Niu, Xiaofei

Abstract

We follow the experimental design of Erat and Gneezy (2012) and test the effect of tournament-induced competition on white lies. We find that subjects in a tournament exhibit less altruistic white lies and more Pareto white lies, i.e., competition reduces altruistic white lies and increases Pareto white lies. Importantly, competition increases the Pareto white lie that only benefits the other person and not the liar. Material self-interest is the mechanism underlying the effects of competition on altruistic white lies and Pareto white lies that benefit the liar. Moral self-image is the mechanism underlying the effect of competition on Pareto white lie that only benefits the other person.

Suggested Citation

  • Cao, Qian & Li, Jianbiao & Niu, Xiaofei, 2022. "White lies in tournaments," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:96:y:2022:i:c:s2214804321001312
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socec.2021.101791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Tournament; Competition; White lies; Experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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