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English

An Economic Model of Moral Motivation

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Forfattere:

Brekke, K. A., S. Kverndokk og K. Nyborg

År:

2003

Referanse:

Journal of Public Economics

87 (9-10), 1967-1983

Sammendrag (engelsk)

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 morally ideal behavior. 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 morally ideal contribution. 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.

Nøkkelord:

Voluntary contributions, economic incentives, warm glow, identity theory

JEL:

D11, H41

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snorre.kverndokk@frisch.uio.no