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Public Discourse, Norm Adherence, and Socially Responsible Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Arregui Alegria, Iker

    (Department of Economics, Lund University)

  • Gokmen, Gunes

    (Department of Economics, Lund University)

  • van Veldhuizen, Roel

    (Department of Economics, Lund University)

Abstract

This paper examines the causal effect of public discourse in one or both sides of the market on overall market socially responsible behavior. In a laboratory setting, we vary whether firms and/or consumers participate in a public discussion before trading begins. When both sides take part, the share of socially responsible trades increases slightly; however, when only one side participates, market social responsibility does not improve relative to a no-discourse control. These findings suggest that campaigns aiming to foster socially responsible conduct must engage all sides of the market to achieve meaningful impact. We also provide evidence that the effectiveness of public discourse will be limited when participants prioritize profits over norm adherence.

Suggested Citation

  • Arregui Alegria, Iker & Gokmen, Gunes & van Veldhuizen, Roel, 2025. "Public Discourse, Norm Adherence, and Socially Responsible Behavior," Working Papers 2025:10, Lund University, Department of Economics, revised 15 Dec 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:lunewp:2025_010
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    File URL: https://lucris.lub.lu.se/ws/portalfiles/portal/235899220/WP25_10_v2
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Björn Bartling & Vanessa Valero & Roberto A. Weber, 2018. "The causal effect of income on market social responsibility," ECON - Working Papers 299, Department of Economics - University of Zurich, revised Aug 2024.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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