Public cooperation statements

authored by

Ann Kathrin Koessler, Lionel Page, Uwe Dulleck

Abstract

Communication is a well-known tool to promote cooperation and pro-social behavior. In this study, we examine whether minimal communication in form of public consent with a pre-defined cooperation statement is sufficient to strengthen cooperation in groups. Within the controlled environment of a laboratory experiment, we identify ways by which non-enforceable cooperation statements are associated with higher levels of cooperation in a public good setting. At first, the statement triggers selection; socially oriented individuals are more likely to make the cooperation statement. In addition, we can show that a behavioral change takes place once the statement is made. This change can be attributed to commitment arising from the pledge and to increased coordination between the interaction partners. Depending on the institutional context, these drivers can vary in strength. Comparing compulsory and voluntary cooperation statements, we find that both are effective in motivating higher contributions to the public good.

External Organisation(s)

Osnabrück University
UTS University of Technology Sydney
Queensland University of Technology

Type

Article

Journal

Journal of Economic Interaction and Coordination

Volume

16

Pages

747-767

No. of pages

21

ISSN

1860-711X

Publication date

10.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Business and International Management, Economics and Econometrics

Electronic version(s)

http://hdl.handle.net/10419/228966 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11403-021-00327-4 (Access: Open)