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Morally Motivated Self-Regulation

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  • David P. Baron

Abstract

Self-regulation is the private provision of public goods and private redistribution. This paper examines the scope of self-regulation motivated by altruistic moral preferences that are reciprocal and stronger the closer are citizens in a socioeconomic distance. The focus is on the role of organizations in increasing self-regulation by mitigating free-rider problems. Social label and certification organizations can expand the scope of self-regulation but not beyond that with unconditional altruism. Enforcement organizations expand the scope of self-regulation farther, and for-profit enforcement is more aggressive than nonprofit enforcement. Enforcement through social pressure imposed by NGOs also expands the scope of self-regulation. (JEL D64, H41, L51)

Suggested Citation

  • David P. Baron, 2010. "Morally Motivated Self-Regulation," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 100(4), pages 1299-1329, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:100:y:2010:i:4:p:1299-1329
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/aer.100.4.1299
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation

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