Morally questionable decisions by groups: guilt sharing and its underlying motives. A seminar by Eberhard Feess *IN PERSON or ONLINE*

Date/Time
Date(s) - Wed 3 August
12:30 - 13:30

Location
RH105, Level 1, Rutherford House, VUW


Abstract

We conduct an experiment where subjects are matched in groups of three and vote on a morally questionable decision. We find that the frequency of votes for this decision increases with the number of votes required for it. This effect persists when considering pivotal votes only, thereby eliminating opportunities to rely on sufficiently many votes in favor of the morally questionable decision by other group members. Our design enables us to cleanly identify guilt sharing as a driver of voting behavior. A series of novel treatments then allows separating blame sharing and a preference for group consensus as independent motives underlying guilt sharing.

Zoom Link: https://vuw.zoom.us/j/95226912134

About Eberhard Feess

Eberhard Feess joined Victoria University as a Professor of Economics in March 2018. Before that he worked as a Professor of Economics at various universities in Germany. He is specialized in the economic analysis in law, game theory, experimental and behavioral economics and does applied research in competition policy, environmental economics, the health care sector and the sports sector.