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Giving begets giving: Positive path dependence as moral consistency

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  • Heger, Stephanie A.
  • Slonim, Robert

Abstract

We design an experiment to ask whether morally-motivated behavior, e.g., charitable giving, is history-dependent. Using a popular policy nudge, the default option, we exogenously vary altruistic behavior “now” and show that charitable giving “now” causes a 66%- 200% increase in the probability of giving “later”; that is, giving begets giving. We further show that, consistent with psychological theory, the choice to behave altruistically “now”, rather than the nudge itself, is the crucial element in the causal relationship. These findings are consistent with a model of positive path-dependence, which we interpret as moral consistency.

Suggested Citation

  • Heger, Stephanie A. & Slonim, Robert, 2022. "Giving begets giving: Positive path dependence as moral consistency," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 699-718.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:204:y:2022:i:c:p:699-718
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2022.10.044
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