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Does moral transgression promote anti-social behavior?

Author

Listed:
  • Nigus, Halefom
  • Mohnen, Pierre

    (RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research, QE Econometrics)

  • Nillesen, Eleonora

    (RS: GSBE UM-BIC, Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MGSoG)

  • Di Falco, S.

Abstract

Using two lab-in-the-field experiments, we study whether initial transgression promote subsequent anti-social behavior. In the first stage subjects participated in an experimental market game. In the second stage, subjects were given an opportunity to participate in antisocial experiment. We find that subjects who impose a negative externality on uninvolved third parties in the market game are also more likely to burn their partner's income in the second experiment. This finding is consistent with a conscience-numbing effect but could possibly also be explained by participants' preferences for consistency.

Suggested Citation

  • Nigus, Halefom & Mohnen, Pierre & Nillesen, Eleonora & Di Falco, S., 2023. "Does moral transgression promote anti-social behavior?," MERIT Working Papers 2023-027, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:unumer:2023027
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    File URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/146083042/wp2023-027.pdf
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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