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Honesty of Groups: Effects of Size and Gender Composition

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  • Muehlheusser, Gerd

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Promann, Timo

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Roider, Andreas

    (University of Regensburg)

  • Wallmeier, Niklas

    (University of Hamburg)

Abstract

This paper studies unethical behavior by groups and provides systematic evidence on how lying decisions are affected by group size and group gender composition. We conduct an online experiment with 1,677 participants (477 groups) where group members can communicate with each other via a novel video chat tool. Our key findings are that (i) larger groups lie more, (ii) all-male groups stand out in their proclivity to lie, (iii) already the first female in a group causes an honesty shift, and (iv) group behavior cannot be fully explained by members' individual honesty preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Muehlheusser, Gerd & Promann, Timo & Roider, Andreas & Wallmeier, Niklas, 2024. "Honesty of Groups: Effects of Size and Gender Composition," IZA Discussion Papers 16954, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16954
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    Cited by:

    1. Promann, Timo & Mayer, Jan-Patrick & Muehlheusser, Gerd & Roider, Andreas & Tereschenko, Eugen & Wallmeier, Niklas, 2025. "chaTree: An oTree addon allowing face-to-face communication in online group experiments," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 252(C).

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    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General

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