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Similarity of Information and Collective Action

Author

Listed:
  • Deepal Basak
  • Joyee Deb
  • Aditya Kuvalekar

Abstract

We study a canonical collective action game with incomplete information. Individuals attempt to coordinate to achieve a shared goal, while also facing a temptation to free-ride. Consuming more similar information about the fundamentals can help them coordinate, but it can also exacerbate free-riding. Our main result shows that more similar information facilitates (impedes) achieving a common goal when achieving the goal is sufficiently challenging (easy). We apply this insight to show why insufficiently powerful authoritarian governments may face larger protests when attempting to restrict press freedom, and why informational diversity in committees is beneficial when each vote carries more weight.

Suggested Citation

  • Deepal Basak & Joyee Deb & Aditya Kuvalekar, 2024. "Similarity of Information and Collective Action," Papers 2407.14773, arXiv.org, revised Jul 2024.
  • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2407.14773
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    File URL: http://arxiv.org/pdf/2407.14773
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. George-Marios Angeletos & Alessandro Pavan, 2007. "Efficient Use of Information and Social Value of Information," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 75(4), pages 1103-1142, July.
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