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Subjects in the lab, activists in the field: public goods and punishment

Author

Listed:
  • Chetan Dave

    (University of Alberta)

  • Sjur Hamre

    (Duke University)

  • Curtis Kephart

    (R-Studio)

  • Alicja Reuben

    (NYUAD)

Abstract

We compare standard (laboratory) and non-standard (field) subject pool behavior in an extensive form public goods game with random punishment. Our experimental investigation is motivated by real-world ‘Activists’ encouraging public goods provision by firms; an activity known as corporate social responsibility. We find that relative to laboratory subjects, activists in Mumbai are more willing to settle at the Nash equilibrium of the game (which entails increased provision of public goods) and are more willing to punish non-cooperative firm behavior even if such punishments hurt their own payoffs.

Suggested Citation

  • Chetan Dave & Sjur Hamre & Curtis Kephart & Alicja Reuben, 2020. "Subjects in the lab, activists in the field: public goods and punishment," Eurasian Economic Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 10(3), pages 533-553, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eurase:v:10:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s40822-020-00144-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s40822-020-00144-3
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods; Punishment; Non-standard subject pool;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers

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