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Subjects in the Lab, Activists in the Field: Public Goods and Punishment

Author

Listed:
  • Dave, Chetan

    (University of Alberta, Department of Economics)

  • Hamre, Sjur

    (Duke University)

  • Kephart, Curtis

    (R-Studio)

  • Reuben, Alicja

    (New York University Abu Dhabi)

Abstract

We compare standard (laboratory) and non-standard (field) subject pool behavior in an extensive form public goods game with random punishment. Our experimental investigation is motivated by real-world ‘Activists’ encouraging public goods provision by firms; an activity known as corporate social responsibility. We find that relative to laboratory subjects, activists in Mumbai are more willing to settle at the Nash equilibrium of the game (which entails increased provision of public goods) and are more willing to punish non-cooperative firm behavior even if such punishments hurt their own payoffs.

Suggested Citation

  • Dave, Chetan & Hamre, Sjur & Kephart, Curtis & Reuben, Alicja, 2019. "Subjects in the Lab, Activists in the Field: Public Goods and Punishment," Working Papers 2019-6, University of Alberta, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:albaec:2019_006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods; punishment; non-standard subject pool;
    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
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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