Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/98438 
Year of Publication: 
2014
Series/Report no.: 
Jena Economic Research Papers No. 2014-001
Publisher: 
Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena
Abstract: 
We study theoretically and experimentally decision making under uncertainty in a social environment. We introduce an interdependent preferences model that assumes that the decision maker evaluates monetary outcomes in relation both with his individual and his social reference point. In the experiment we reproduce a workplace environment whereby subjects interact in an effort task, earn (possibly) different wages from this task and then undertake a risky decision that may give them an extra bonus. Controlling for intrinsic risk attitudes, we find that both downward and upward social comparison strongly influence risk attitudes and that they both generate more risk loving behavior. Moreover, we find that a propension to envy counterposes such effect, by increasing risk aversion.
Subjects: 
interdependent preferences
reference point
risk aversion
Social comparison
JEL: 
C91
D03
D81
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
837.96 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.