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Public Discourse and Socially Responsible Market Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Vanessa Valero
  • Roberto Weber

    (UZH - Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich)

  • Björn Bartling

    (UZH - Universität Zürich [Zürich] = University of Zurich)

  • Lan Yao

    (Shanghai University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract

We investigate the causal impact of public discourse on socially responsible market behavior. Across three laboratory experiments, having market participants engage in public discourse generally increases market social responsibility. These positive impacts are robust to variation in several characteristics of the discourse. We provide evidence that discourse strengthens beliefs that others support socially responsible exchange. However, relaxing requirements to engage in discourse sharply reduces its effectiveness. Our findings suggest that campaigns encouraging discussion of appropriate market behavior can have sizable impacts on addressing inefficiencies due to market failures, but that policies encouraging broad public engagement may be important.

Suggested Citation

  • Vanessa Valero & Roberto Weber & Björn Bartling & Lan Yao, 2024. "Public Discourse and Socially Responsible Market Behavior ," Post-Print hal-04740097, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04740097
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04740097v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    JEL Classification: C92 D62 D83 M14 Public discourse market failure externalities social responsibility experiment communication; JEL Classification: C92; D62; D83; M14 Public discourse; market failure; externalities; social responsibility; experiment; communication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • D62 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Externalities
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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