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The Persistent Effect of Competition on Prosociality

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  • Fabian Kosse
  • Ranjita Rajan
  • Michela Tincani

Abstract

We present the first causal evidence on the persistent impact of enduring competition on prosociality. Inspired by the literature on tournaments within firms, which shows that competitive compensation schemes reduce cooperation in the short-run, we explore if enduring exposure to a competitive environment persistently attenuates prosociality. Based on a large-scale randomized intervention in the education context, we find lower levels of prosociality for students who just experienced a 2-year competition period. Four-year follow-up data indicate that the effect persists and generalizes, suggesting a change in traits and not only in behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabian Kosse & Ranjita Rajan & Michela Tincani, 2026. "The Persistent Effect of Competition on Prosociality," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 24(1), pages 311-338.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:jeurec:v:24:y:2026:i:1:p:311-338.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/jeea/jvaf030
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    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General

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