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I swear, I would like to donate later

Author

Listed:
  • Jianbiao Li

    (Shandong University)

  • Ruqian Zang

    (Shandong University)

  • Xiaofei Niu

    (Shandong University)

Abstract

Pledges are ubiquitous in charitable giving, but they are often reneged upon. To investigate whether adding the phrase “I swear” to pledge language can reduce pledge reneging, we conduct a series of experiments in the context of online fundraising. We find that including “I swear” at the beginning of the pledge language significantly increases immediate giving and pledge fulfillment, with more individuals switching from pledging to giving immediately. We also observe individual heterogeneity in moral identity: Our findings are present among individuals with low moral identity, but not among those with high moral identity. Our paper presents a simple and no-cost strategy for increasing the effectiveness of pledges in online fundraising.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianbiao Li & Ruqian Zang & Xiaofei Niu, 2024. "I swear, I would like to donate later," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 27(5), pages 1158-1183, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:27:y:2024:i:5:d:10.1007_s10683-024-09845-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-024-09845-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Charitable giving; Pledge; I swear; Online fundraising;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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