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Centrality and cooperation in networks

Author

Listed:
  • Boris Leeuwen

    (Tilburg University)

  • Abhijit Ramalingam

    (Appalachian State University)

  • David Rojo Arjona

    (Chapman University)

  • Arthur Schram

    (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract

We investigate the effects of centrality on cooperation in groups. Players with centrality keep a group together by having a pivotal position in a network. In some of our experimental treatments, players can vote to exclude others and prevent them from further participation in the group. We find that, in the presence of exclusion, central players contribute significantly less than others, and that this is tolerated by those others. Because of this tolerance, groups with centrality manage to maintain high levels of cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • Boris Leeuwen & Abhijit Ramalingam & David Rojo Arjona & Arthur Schram, 2019. "Centrality and cooperation in networks," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 22(1), pages 178-196, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:22:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1007_s10683-018-9592-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-018-9592-1
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    Cited by:

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    2. Boosey, Luke & Isaac, R. Mark & Ramalingam, Abhijit, 2024. "Limiting the leader: Fairness concerns and opportunism in team production," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 209-244.
    3. Luke A. Boosey & Christopher Brown, 2021. "Contests with Network Externalities: Theory & Evidence," Working Papers wp2021_07_02, Department of Economics, Florida State University.
    4. Brown, Christopher L., 2024. "Team production in endogenous networks," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 217(C), pages 560-580.
    5. Brock V. Stoddard & Caleb A. Cox & James M. Walker, 2021. "Incentivizing provision of collective goods: Allocation rules," Southern Economic Journal, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 87(4), pages 1345-1365, April.
    6. Billinger, Stephan & Rosenbaum, Stephen Mark, 2019. "Discretionary mechanisms and cooperation in hierarchies: An experimental study," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    7. He, Simin & Zou, Xinlu, 2024. "Public goods provision in a network formation game," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 218(C), pages 104-131.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cooperation; Centrality; Public goods; Networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • D03 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Behavioral Microeconomics: Underlying Principles
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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