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Does decentralization of decisions increase the stability of large groups?

Author

Listed:
  • Tjaša Bjedov

    (Swiss Distance Learning University)

  • Simon Lapointe

    (VATT - Government Institute for Economic Research, Helsinki - VATT)

  • Thierry Madiès

    (UNIFR - Université de Fribourg = University of Fribourg)

  • Marie Claire Villeval

    (GATE Lyon Saint-Étienne - Groupe d'Analyse et de Théorie Economique Lyon - Saint-Etienne - ENS de Lyon - École normale supérieure de Lyon - UL2 - Université Lumière - Lyon 2 - UCBL - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Université de Lyon - UJM - Université Jean Monnet - Saint-Étienne - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Using a laboratory experiment with nested local and global public goods, we analyze the stability of global groups when individuals have the option to separate, according to the degree of decentralization of decision-making. We show that increasing the number of decisions made at the local level within a smaller group reduces the likelihood that individuals vote in favor of a configuration that includes no global good for interacting only within their local group. Voting for such a configuration is more likely when global group members are less cooperative and local group members are more cooperative. Reinforcing local group identity has no impact on votes.

Suggested Citation

  • Tjaša Bjedov & Simon Lapointe & Thierry Madiès & Marie Claire Villeval, 2018. "Does decentralization of decisions increase the stability of large groups?," Post-Print halshs-01882108, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-01882108
    DOI: 10.1007/s00355-018-1133-5
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-01882108
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    break-up of groups; voting behavior; public goods; Decentralization; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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