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I will donate later! A field experiment on cell phone donations to charity

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  • Fosgaard, Toke R.
  • Soetevent, Adriaan R.

Abstract

Given the replacement of cash with cell phone payments, people who are asked to donate to charity can easily promise a donation but delay the transfer until a later date. This may be a way to get out of the ask-situation with a positive image while maintaining the flexibility not to donate. This study explores whether charities can make people keep their promises by making such promises more explicit and more formal.

Suggested Citation

  • Fosgaard, Toke R. & Soetevent, Adriaan R., 2022. "I will donate later! A field experiment on cell phone donations to charity," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 202(C), pages 549-565.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:202:y:2022:i:c:p:549-565
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.08.025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Charitable fundraising; Field experiment; Altruism; Image motivation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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