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Non-Monetary Feedback Induces more Cooperation: Students and Workers in a Voluntary Contribution Mechanism

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Dragone

    (UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna)

  • Fabio Galeotti

    (GATE Lyon Saint-Étienne - Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon - Saint-Etienne - ENS de Lyon - École normale supérieure de Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UCBL - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Université de Lyon - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Raimondello Orsini

    (UNIBO - Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna = University of Bologna)

Abstract

We conduct an artefactual field experiment to study and compare the behavior of workers and students in a linear voluntary contribution mechanism in which subjects can assign immaterial sanctions or rewards to the other group members. We find that both students and workers sanction group members who contribute less than the group average, and reward those who contribute more. In both subject samples, the use of non-monetary sanctions and rewards induces more cooperation. The magnitude of the effect, however, is heterogeneous, as feedback has more impact among students who, contrary to workers, respond positively to sanctions. Students also tend to use sanctions more than workers. We discuss the implications of these findings for social cohesion, cooperative spirit and organizational efficiency in the workplace.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Dragone & Fabio Galeotti & Raimondello Orsini, 2017. "Non-Monetary Feedback Induces more Cooperation: Students and Workers in a Voluntary Contribution Mechanism," Post-Print halshs-01366240, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01366240
    DOI: 10.3917/reco.pr3.0095
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhenghong Wu & Huan Huang & Qinghu Liao, 2021. "The study on the role of dedicators on promoting cooperation in public goods game," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(9), pages 1-17, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    public good; field experiment; non - monetary sanctions and rewards; communication; external validity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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