The limits of social recognition: Experimental evidence from blood donors
- Does social recognition motivate prosocial individuals? We run large-scale experiments at Italy’s main blood donors association, evaluating social recognition through social media and peer groups against a simple ask to donate. Across several studies, we find that the simple ask is at least as effective as offering social recognition. In a survey experiment with blood donors we show that socially recognized donations signal not only altruism but also image-seeking. This can lead to social recognition being less effective, or even counterproductive, when offered to those who are already perceived as good citizens.
Document Type: | Article |
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Language: | English |
Author(s): | Lorenz Goette, Egon TripodiORCiD |
Parent Title (English): | Journal of Public Economics |
Publication year: | 2024 |
Publishing Institution: | Hertie School |
DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105069 |
Release Date: | 2024/02/12 |
Volume: | 231 |
Article Number: | 105069 |
AY 23/24: | AY 23/24 |
Licence of document (German): |