Scandinavian Working Papers in Economics

Working Papers in Economics,
University of Bergen, Department of Economics

No 11/08: The impact of anticipated discussion on cooperation in a social dilemma

Sigve Tjøtta (), Gaute Torsvik (), Therese Kobbeltvedt () and Anders Molander ()
Additional contact information
Sigve Tjøtta: University of Bergen, Department of Economics, Postal: Hermann Fossgt. 6, N-5007 Bergen, Norway
Gaute Torsvik: University of Bergen, Department of Economics, Postal: Herman Fossgt. 6, N-5007 Bergen, Norway
Therese Kobbeltvedt: Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, Department of Strategy and Management, Postal: Helleveien 30, N-5045 Bergen, Norway
Anders Molander: Center for the Study of Professions, Oslo University College, Postal: St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway

Abstract: We study the impact of anticipated face-to-face discussions among group members after they have made an anonymous contribution to a public good in an experimental setting. We find that the impact of anticipated discussions depends on how we frame the public good game. When framed in non-evaluative language, anticipated ex post discussions lead to a sharp reduction in contributions to the public good. This effect reversed when evaluative language was used to underscore normative expectations. In contrast, there was no framing in the no-discussion baseline version of our game. We offer an explanation that centres on the idea that the announcement of ex post discussions reinforces both normative and predictive expectations.

Keywords: Public Goods; Laboratory; Individual Behavior

JEL-codes: C91; H41

22 pages, August 23, 2008

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