Discussion Papers no. 290
An economic model of moral motivation
In this paper, we present an economic model of moral motivation. Consumers prefer regarding themselves as socially responsible individuals. Voluntary contributions to public goods are motivated by this preference. The self-image as socially responsible is determined by a comparison of one's actual behavior against an endogenous moral ideal. Public policy influences voluntary contributions through its effects on relative prices and budget or time constraints, but also indirectly through the policy's effect on the moral ideal. This implies that economic incentives may have adverse effects on contributions. We present survey data on recycling behavior and voluntary community work, which is consistent with the model predictions.
Om publikasjonen
- Tittel
-
An economic model of moral motivation
- Ansvarlige
-
Kjell Arne Brekke, Karine Nyborg, Snorre Kverndokk
- Serie og -nummer
-
Discussion Papers no. 290
- Utgiver
-
Statistics Norway, Research Department
- Emne
-
Discussion Papers
- Antall sider
-
27
- Målform
-
Engelsk
- Om Discussion Papers
-
Discussion papers comprise research papers intended for international journals and books. A preprint of a Discussion Paper may be longer and more elaborate than a standard journal article as it may include intermediate calculations, background material etc.
Kontakt
-
SSBs informasjonstjeneste