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On the Persistence of Dishonesty

Author

Listed:
  • Stefania Bortolotti

    (Economics Department, University of Bologna & IZA)

  • Felix Kölle

    (Department of Economics, University of Cologne, Albertus MagnusPlatz, 50923 Cologne, Germany)

  • Lukas Wenner

    (Department of Economics, University of Cologne)

Abstract

In social and economic interactions, individuals often exploit informational asymmetries and behave dishonestly to pursue private ends. In many of these situations the costs and benefits from dishonest behavior do not accrue immediately and at the same time. In this paper, we experimentally investigate the role of time on dishonesty. Contrary to our predictions, we find that neither delaying the gains from cheating, nor increasing temporal engagement with one's own unethical behavior reduces the likelihood of cheating. Furthermore, allowing for a delay between the time when private information is obtained and when it is reported does not affect cheating in our experiment.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefania Bortolotti & Felix Kölle & Lukas Wenner, 2021. "On the Persistence of Dishonesty," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 111, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:111
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    File URL: https://www.econtribute.de/RePEc/ajk/ajkdps/ECONtribute_111_2021.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lang, Matthias & Schudy, Simeon, 2023. "(Dis)honesty and the value of transparency for campaign promises," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Dishonesty; cheating; delay; discounting; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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