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Voluntary Partnerships For Equally Sharing Contribution Costs - Theoretical Aspects and Experimental Evidence

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  • Irene Maria Buso
  • Daniela Di Cagno
  • Werner Gueth
  • Lorenzo Spadoni

Abstract

We investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, an institutional mechanism designed to enhance cooperation. In this mechanism, contributors have the option to voluntarily contribute to the public good and decide whether to join a (sub)group where partners equally share the contribution cost. Theoretically, stable cost-sharing partnerships enhance efficiency since their partners fully contribute, while outsiders would free-ride. Our data reveal that individual joining and contribution behaviors do not always align with benchmark predictions: partnerships are not always formed, and when they are, they are not always of the optimal size; partners often contribute less than maximally, and outsiders more than minimally. Nonetheless, we document systematic evidence of partnership formation and significantly improved provision of public goods across rounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Irene Maria Buso & Daniela Di Cagno & Werner Gueth & Lorenzo Spadoni, 2024. "Voluntary Partnerships For Equally Sharing Contribution Costs - Theoretical Aspects and Experimental Evidence," Discussion Papers 2024/309, Dipartimento di Economia e Management (DEM), University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
    • Handle: RePEc:pie:dsedps:2024/309
    Note: ISSN 2039-1854
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    File URL: https://www.ec.unipi.it/documents/Ricerca/papers/2024-309.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public Good; Group Formation; Group Size; Experiments;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C92 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Group Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation

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