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Social Image, Observer Identity, And Crowding Up

Author

Listed:
  • Ro’i Zultan

    (BGU)

  • Yamit Asulin

    (BGU)

  • Yuval Heller

    (Bar Ilan University)

  • Nira Munichor

    (Bar Ilan University)

Abstract

People behave more pro-socially when observed by others. We develop a theoretical model incorporating social distance between agent and observer and test its predictions in a field experiment with 670 high-school students. The experiment manipulated the observer's identity (friend, acquaintance, or none) and capped personal rewards. Observability increased effort, and personal rewards enhanced above-threshold effort when effort was observable. Among young adolescents, these effects were stronger when observed by an acquaintance rather than a friend. While partly exploratory, our findings suggest a positive correlation between social distance and social-image effects.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Ro’i Zultan & Yamit Asulin & Yuval Heller & Nira Munichor, 2024. "Social Image, Observer Identity, And Crowding Up," Working Papers 2410, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bgu:wpaper:2410
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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