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Ambiguity induces opportunistic rule breaking and erodes social norms

Author

Listed:
  • Lucas Molleman

    (Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, and Social Psychology, Tilburg University)

  • Daniele Nosenzo

    (Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University)

  • Tina Venema

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University)

Abstract

Rules are central to social order, but violations can rapidly spread when compliance is costly to individuals. Moreover, rules are often ambiguous and open to interpretation, creating “wiggle room" to bend rules in self-serving ways. It is currently unknown how ambiguity shapes rule compliance and the sway of social influence. Here we present incentivized experiments (total n=3,226 American Prolific workers) showing that ambiguity substantially reduces rule compliance. Observing rule bending or a rule violation reduces compliance, but observing compliance does not increase it. The combined effect of ambiguity and bad examples is as strong as the effect of either factor on its own, indicating that many people comply unless an opportunity arises for self-serving rule violation. Further experiments suggest that these results are due to weakened social norms: ambiguity reduces disapproval of rule bending, and people expect violations to increase after observing non-compliance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas Molleman & Daniele Nosenzo & Tina Venema, 2023. "Ambiguity induces opportunistic rule breaking and erodes social norms," Economics Working Papers 2023-11, Department of Economics and Business Economics, Aarhus University.
    • Handle: RePEc:aah:aarhec:2023-11
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Rule-following; peer effects; conditional compliance; behavioral experiment; social influence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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