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“Show the right thing to do”. The effect of exemplary behavior in public good games

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  • Sara Godoy

    (Department of Economic Theory, Universidad de Málaga)

Abstract

Using a linear public good game we investigate the role of exemplary behavior on cooperation in public goods games. Subjects face the chance of show a good (like the employee of the month) or a bad example (evading taxes) to the rest of their group, knowing in advance that the unique feedback they will get back is the largest (or smallest) contribution to the group project. Our results suggest that immaterial incentives have a positive though transitory effect on contribution. Even when they do not alter the game structure or its theoretical prediction, exemplary behavior increases cooperation; especially on top contributors who react strongly to the chance of becoming good examples.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Godoy, 2011. "“Show the right thing to do”. The effect of exemplary behavior in public good games," Working Papers 2011-05, Universidad de Málaga, Department of Economic Theory, Málaga Economic Theory Research Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:mal:wpaper:2011-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    exemplary behavior; information; experimental economics; public goods; cooperation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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