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Working until you drop: Image concerns or prosocial motives?

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  • Erkut, Hande
  • Shalvi, Shaul

Abstract

Working hard is costly, so people should work wisely. Yet, they do not always work efficiently, spending their effort on tasks that do not bring tangible benefits. One reason that potentially amplifies inefficient working is that people work in social environments where they are observed and where others' earnings also depend on their effort. In this paper, we investigate whether people work and earn more than they need, and if so why? We use laboratory experiments to disentangle two concerns that potentially lead people to work inefficiently hard, namely image concerns and prosocial motives. Our results suggest that people indeed overwork unnecessarily, and that this is mainly due to image concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Erkut, Hande & Shalvi, Shaul, 2019. "Working until you drop: Image concerns or prosocial motives?," Discussion Papers, Research Unit: Market Behavior SP II 2019-214, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wzbmbh:spii2019214
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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