The limits of social recognition: Experimental evidence from blood donors

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Goette, Lorenz; Tripodi, Egon
• 署名单位: National University of Singapore; Hertie School
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105069
• 发表日期: 2024
• 关键词: Prosocial behavior; Blood donations; Social recognition; observability; Natural field experiment; Social media; WhatsApp

摘要

Does social recognition motivate prosocial individuals? We run large-scale experiments at Italy's main blood donors association, evaluating social recognition through social media and peer groups against a simple ask to donate. Across several studies, we find that the simple ask is at least as effective as offering social recognition. In a survey experiment with blood donors we show that socially recognized donations signal not only altruism but also image -seeking. This can lead to social recognition being less effective, or even counterproductive, when offered to those who are already perceived as good citizens.