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Wann wird negative Reziprozität am Arbeitsplatz akzeptiert? Eine quasi-experimentelle Untersuchung

Author

Listed:
  • Gesine Stephan

    (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung und Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Sven Uthmann

    (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung)

Abstract

The quasi-experimental vignette study examines the acceptance of negatively reciprocal behavior at the workplace through independent observers. Participants in an online survey were asked to judge the acceptability of different scenarios – for instance layoffs on the side of the employer or theft on the side of the employee. The results show that the type of reciprocal behavior plays a central role for the assessment: Legal aspects seem to be crucial; reactions that were associated with coercion or property crimes were judged as particularly unacceptable. Furthermore, stronger forms of retaliation are less accepted than weaker forms. Judgment is also influenced by the triggering action and to a lesser extent by the characteristics of employees and employers described. Individual characteristics of survey participants do not have a strong impact on assessments.

Suggested Citation

  • Gesine Stephan & Sven Uthmann, 2014. "Wann wird negative Reziprozität am Arbeitsplatz akzeptiert? Eine quasi-experimentelle Untersuchung," Working Paper Series in Economics 321, University of Lüneburg, Institute of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:lue:wpaper:321
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Ernst Fehr & Simon Gachter & Georg Kirchsteiger, 1997. "Reciprocity as a Contract Enforcement Device: Experimental Evidence," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 65(4), pages 833-860, July.
    4. Gerlach, Knut & Levine, David I. & Stephan, Gesine & Struck, Olaf, 2005. "The Acceptability of Layoffs and Pay Cuts: Comparing North America with Germany," Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, Working Paper Series qt1k21d0rg, Institute of Industrial Relations, UC Berkeley.
    5. Kahneman, Daniel & Knetsch, Jack L & Thaler, Richard H, 1986. "Fairness and the Assumptions of Economics," The Journal of Business, University of Chicago Press, vol. 59(4), pages 285-300, October.
    6. Charness, Gary & Levine, David I., 2002. "Changes in the employment contract?: Evidence from a quasi-experiment," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 47(4), pages 391-405, April.
    7. Gary Charness & David I. Levine, 2000. "When are Layoffs Acceptable? Evidence from a Quasi-Experiment," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 53(3), pages 381-400, April.
    8. Kahneman, Daniel & Knetsch, Jack L & Thaler, Richard, 1986. "Fairness as a Constraint on Profit Seeking: Entitlements in the Market," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 76(4), pages 728-741, September.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Negative Reziprozität; Beschäftigungsverhältnis; faktorieller Survey;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J50 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor-Management Relations, Trade Unions, and Collective Bargaining - - - General

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