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The Dynamics of Cooperation in Group Lending - A Microfinance Experiment

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  • Peter Werner

Abstract

We investigate the dynamics of borrower behavior in a microfinance experiment in which subjects are jointly responsible for credit repayment. Although cooperation levels are generally high, moral hazard problems persist among borrowers. Moreover, the path dependency of decisions mitigates the insurance effect of joint liability. We compare two conversion mechanisms from joint to individual liability. First, an active choice of the joint liability contract does not systematically increase cooperation. Second, conversion based on repayment success tends to have a detrimental impact on cooperation among the remaining joint liability borrowers.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Werner, 2010. "The Dynamics of Cooperation in Group Lending - A Microfinance Experiment," Working Paper Series in Economics 49, University of Cologne, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:kls:series:0049
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ralph-C Bayer & Sujiphong Shatragom, 2013. "Cost Efficient Joint Liability Lending," School of Economics and Public Policy Working Papers 2013-23, University of Adelaide, School of Economics and Public Policy.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    microfinance; group lending; individual lending; social preferences;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods

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