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Discussion Papers in Economics, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (WWS), Princeton University >
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http://hdl.handle.net/10419/23457
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| Title: | | Incentives and Prosocial Behavior  |
| Authors: | | Bénabou, Roland Tirole, Jean |
| Issue Date: | | 2004 |
| Series/Report no.: | | Discussion papers in economics / Princeton University, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs 230 |
| Abstract: | | We build a theory of prosocial behavior that combines heterogeneity in individual altruism and greed with concerns for social reputation or self-respect. The presence of rewards or punishments creates doubt as to the true motive for which good deeds are performed, and this ?overjustification effect? can result in a net crowding out of prosocial behavior by extrinsic incentives. The model also allows us to identify settings that are conducive to multiple social norms of behavior, and those where disclosing one?s generosity may backfire. Finally, we analyze the equilibrium contracts offered by sponsors, including the level and confidentiality or publicity of incentives. Sponsor competition may cause rewards to bid down rather than up, and can even reduce social welfare by requiring agents to engage in inefficient sacrifices. |
| Subjects: | | altruism rewards motivation overjustification effect crowding out identity social norms. |
| JEL: | | D82 H41 D64 Z13 |
| Document Type: | | Working Paper |
| Appears in Collections: | | Discussion Papers in Economics, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (WWS), Princeton University
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