Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5059295 Economics Letters 2014 5 Pages PDF
Abstract
Socially destructive behavior in a public good environment-like damaging public goods-is an underexposed phenomenon in economics. In an experiment we investigate whether such behavior can be influenced by the very nature of an environment. To that purpose we use a Fragile Public Good (FPG) game which puts the opportunity for destructive behavior (taking) on a level playing field with constructive behavior (contributing). We find substantial evidence of destructive decisions, sometimes leading to sour relationships characterized by persistent hurtful behavior. While positive framing induces fewer destructive decisions, shifting the selfish Nash towards minimal taking doubles its share to more than 20%.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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