Journal Article

Collective Honesty? Experimental Evidence on the Effectiveness of Honesty Nudging for Teams

Authors

  • Dunaiev
  • Y.
  • Khadjavi
  • M.
Publication Date

A growing literature in economics studies ethical behavior and honesty, as it is imperative for functioning societies in a world of incomplete information and contracts. A majority of studies finds more pronounced dishonesty among teams compared to individuals. Scholars identified certain nudges as effective and cost-neutral measures to curb individuals’ dishonesty, yet little is known about the effectiveness of such nudges for teams. We replicate a seminal nudge treatment effect, signing on the top of a reporting form versus no signature, with individuals and confirm the original nudge treatment effect. We further run the same experiment with teams of two that have to make a joint reporting decision. Our results show the effectiveness of the nudge for teams, which provides further confidence in the applicability of the nudge.

Kiel Institute Expert

Key Words

  • experiment
  • lying
  • nudge
  • team

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