An economic model of moral motivation

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Brekke, KA; Kverndokk, S; Nyborg, K
• 署名单位: University of Oslo
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/S0047-2727(01)00222-5
• 发表日期: 2003
• 页码: 1967-1983
• 关键词: voluntary contributions; economic incentives; Warm glow; identity theory

摘要

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. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.