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I am sorry - Honest and Fake Apologies

Author

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  • Verena Utikal

    (Department of Economics, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany)

Abstract

Apologies have a positive effect on forgiveness. Nevertheless not all people apologize after an offense. In a laboratory experiment we test whether lying aversion can explain this behavior by comparing honest and fake apologies. First, we show that even an honest apology comes along with a cost for some people. Second, costs for fake apologies are even higher. Fake apologies are less likely than honest apologies and consist of different wording and content. Receivers understand apologies as a signal for honesty. Following, forgiveness after an honest apology is more likely than after a fake apology.

Suggested Citation

  • Verena Utikal, 2013. "I am sorry - Honest and Fake Apologies," Working Paper Series of the Department of Economics, University of Konstanz 2013-18, Department of Economics, University of Konstanz.
    • Handle: RePEc:knz:dpteco:1318
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Blog mentions

    As found by EconAcademics.org, the blog aggregator for Economics research:
    1. On the virtues of honest apologies
      by Economic Logician in Economic Logic on 2013-05-08 19:22:00

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    Cited by:

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    2. Michèle Belot & Jeroen Ven, 2017. "How private is private information? The ability to spot deception in an economic game," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 20(1), pages 19-43, March.
    3. Friehe, Tim & Hippel, Svenja & Schielke, Anne, 2021. "Appeasing yourself or others? – The use of self-punishment and compensation and how it influences punishment," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Apology; Lying; Intentions; Experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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