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Getting a Yes: An Experiment on the Power of Asking

Author

Listed:
  • Lisa Bruttel

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Florian Stolley

    (University of Potsdam)

  • Verena Utikal

    (University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)

Abstract

This paper studies how the request for a favor has to be devised in order to maximize its chance of success. We present results from a mini-dictator game, in which the recipient can send a free-form text message to the dictator before the latter decides. We find that putting effort into the message, writing in a humorous way and mentioning reasons why the money is needed pays off. Additionally, we find differences in the behavior of male and female dictators. Only men react positively to efficiency arguments, while only women react to messages that emphasize the dictator’s power and responsibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Bruttel & Florian Stolley & Verena Utikal, 2019. "Getting a Yes: An Experiment on the Power of Asking," CEPA Discussion Papers 02, Center for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:pot:cepadp:02
    DOI: 10.25932/publishup-42763
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    1. Schmidt, Robert & Schwieren, Christiane & Vollmann, Martin, 2020. "The value of verbal feedback in allocation decisions," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    2. Traub, Stefan & Schwaninger, Manuel & Paetzel, Fabian & Neuhofer, Sabine, 2023. "Evidence on need-sensitive giving behavior: An experimental approach to the acknowledgment of needs," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    3. Langenbach, Pascal & Friehe, Tim, 2023. "The willingness to pay for voice in dictator games," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 107(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    dictator game; communication; inequality; text analysis; experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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