Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/26952 
Year of Publication: 
2008
Series/Report no.: 
Preprints of the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods No. 2008,15
Publisher: 
Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods, Bonn
Abstract: 
Socio-economic decisions are commonly explained by rational cost vs. benefit considerations, whereas person variables have not usually been considered. The present study aims at investigating the degree to which dispositional power motivation and affective states predict socio-economic decisions. The power motive was assessed both indirectly and directly using a TAT-like picture test and a power motive self-report, respectively. After nine months, 62 students completed an affect rating and performed on a money allocation task (Social Values Questionnaire). We hypothesized and confirmed that dispositional power should be associated with a tendency to maximize one's profit but to care less about another party's profit. Additionally, positive affect showed effects in the same direction. The results are discussed with respect to a motivational approach explaining socio-economic behaviour.
Subjects: 
economic decision-making
rational choice theory
personality
implicit power motive
positive affect
operant motive test
JEL: 
C91
D01
Z13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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