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Social Distancing and Risk Taking: Evidence from a Team Game Show

Author

Listed:
  • Jean-Marc Bourgeon
  • José De Sousa
  • Alexis Noir-Luhalwe

Abstract

We examine the risky choices of pairs of contestants in a popular radio game show in France. At one point during the COVID-19 pandemic the show, held in person, had to switch to an all-remote format. We find that such an exogenous change in social context affected risk-taking behavior. Remotely, pairs take far fewer risks when the stakes are high than in the flesh. This behavioral difference is consistent with prosocial behavior theories, which argue that the nature of social interactions influences risky choices. Our results suggest that working from home may reduce participation in profitable but risky team projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean-Marc Bourgeon & José De Sousa & Alexis Noir-Luhalwe, 2022. "Social Distancing and Risk Taking: Evidence from a Team Game Show," CESifo Working Paper Series 10063, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10063
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    COVID-19; social distancing; social pressure; decision making; risk;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D81 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Criteria for Decision-Making under Risk and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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