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Inter- and intragenerational differences in corrupt behavior: the development of morals after German reunification

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  • Thorsten Auer, Timo Berg, Christin Hoffmann

Abstract

We investigate differencesin bribing decisions among two generationsfrom East and West Germany in a bribery game conducted as an online study (N=168). This way, we aim to exploremoral considerations ofindividualsinfluenced by two formerly different institutional systems. We find a higher propensity to bribe among young Germans compared to the older generation. Young East Germans even reveal a slightly greater inclination to bribe than their West German counterparts. We conclude that preferences for personal favors may be induced among young East Germans given the tense relationship between market opportunities and conveyed cultural traits of a socialist imprint.

Suggested Citation

  • Thorsten Auer, Timo Berg, Christin Hoffmann, 2024. "Inter- and intragenerational differences in corrupt behavior: the development of morals after German reunification," European Journal of Comparative Economics, Cattaneo University (LIUC), vol. 21(2), pages 211-264, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:liu:liucej:v:21:y:2024:i:2:p:211-264
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rainer, Helmut & Siedler, Thomas, 2009. "Does democracy foster trust?," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 37(2), pages 251-269, June.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Moral behavior; Corruption; Intra- and intergenerational study; Institutional transformation; Reunification;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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