Homo Reciprocans: Survey Evidence on Behavioral Outcomes
Journal
The Economic Journal
ISSN
0013-0133
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2009-03
Author(s)
Dohmen, Thomas
;
Falk, Armin
;
Huffman, David
;
Sunde, Uwe
Abstract
This article complements the experimental literature that has shown the importance of reciprocity for behaviour in stylised labour markets or other decision settings. We use individual measures of reciprocal inclinations in a large, representative survey and relate reciprocity to real world labour market behaviour and life outcomes. We find that reciprocity matters and that the way in which it matters is very much in line with the experimental evidence. In particular, positive reciprocity is associated with receiving higher wages and working harder. Negatively reciprocal inclinations tend to reduce effort. Negative reciprocity increases the likelihood of being unemployed.
Language
English
Keywords
Reciprocity
Trust
SOEP
Wage regression
Unemployment
Happiness
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Blackwell
Publisher place
Oxford [u.a.]
Volume
119
Number
536
Start page
592
End page
612
Pages
21
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
51879