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Power Asymmetry in Repeated Play of Provision and Appropriation Games

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  • James C. Cox
  • Vjollca Sadiraj
  • James M. Walker

Abstract

This paper studies the effect of power asymmetry on resolution of social dilemmas in repeated play of linear public good games. The experiment uses a 2X2 design that crosses power symmetry or asymmetry in games with positive (provision) or negative (appropriation) externalities. Our data suggest that power asymmetry has a detrimental effect on voluntary allocations to a public good, with the effect being more pronounced in the asymmetric-power appropriation game. Allocations to a public good increase with "social" income, which is inconsistent with allocations by different individuals being strategic substitutes. With power asymmetry, second movers earn more than first movers in the appropriation game but not in the provision game.

Suggested Citation

  • James C. Cox & Vjollca Sadiraj & James M. Walker, 2023. "Power Asymmetry in Repeated Play of Provision and Appropriation Games," Experimental Economics Center Working Paper Series 2022-04, Experimental Economics Center, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:exc:wpaper:2022-04
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James C. Cox & Vjollca Sadiraj & Susan Xu Tang, 2023. "Morally monotonic choice in public good games," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 26(3), pages 697-725, July.
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    1. Kerstin Mitterbacher & Stefan Palan & Jürgen Fleiß, 2024. "Intergroup cooperation in the lab: asymmetric power relations and redistributive policies," Empirica, Springer;Austrian Institute for Economic Research;Austrian Economic Association, vol. 51(4), pages 877-912, November.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • C52 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Model Evaluation, Validation, and Selection
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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