Generosity Across Contexts

Arbeitspapier

Extensive research in economics explores generosity in monetary allocations. However, generosity often involves the allocation of non-monetary goods or experiences. Existing evidence suggests that generosity may be higher in such contexts, though no direct comparison exists. Here, we compare generosity in decisions that vary whether allocations are monetary or non-monetary. In two experiments, generosity is significantly higher in non-monetary contexts. Thus, the typical monetary laboratory dictator game may underestimate generosity in many non-laboratory contexts where allocations are non-monetary. We find weaker relationships between individuals' allocation decisions across monetary and non-monetary contexts than for allocations that hold constant the monetary nature of the context.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: CESifo Working Paper ; No. 5272

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers ; Design of Experiments: Laboratory, Individual
• Subject: altruism ; generosity ; non-monetary ; harm ; experiment

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Davis, Alexander L. ; Jehli, Nadja R. ; Miller, John H. ; Weber, Roberto A.
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo)
• (where): Munich
• (when): 2015

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/108819
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET