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Rent seeking in groups

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  • Ahn, T.K.
  • Isaac, R. Mark
  • Salmon, Timothy C.

Abstract

Rent-seeking contests between groups involve conflicts of interests at the levels of individuals, groups, and the society as a whole. We conduct a series of economic experiments to study the behavior of groups and individuals competing against each other in rent-seeking contests. We find substantial over-contribution to rent-seeking relative to the equilibrium predictions of standard models regardless whether individuals compete against other individuals, groups compete against other groups, or individuals compete against groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Ahn, T.K. & Isaac, R. Mark & Salmon, Timothy C., 2011. "Rent seeking in groups," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 29(1), pages 116-125, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:indorg:v:29:y:2011:i:1:p:116-125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

    Rent seeking Economic experiments;

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