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A Cross-Country Study of Preferences for Choice Autonomy

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  • Jana Freundt
  • Holger Herz

Abstract

We establish the existence of intrinsic preferences for choice autonomy, defined as a preference for own choice in the absence of any instrumental value of choice, in large general population samples in nine countries using a novel preference elicitation tool. We find that such preferences are widespread, but also reveal stark differences across countries. Within countries, individuals who place a higher value on self-reliance and personal identity exhibit stronger intrinsic preferences for choice autonomy. In our small cross-country sample, we find suggestive evidence that differences are correlated with power distance, but not with measures of individualism, and that differences are predictive of managerial decentralization across countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana Freundt & Holger Herz, 2025. "A Cross-Country Study of Preferences for Choice Autonomy," CESifo Working Paper Series 12238, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12238
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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