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Author:Ellingsen, T.
Johannesson, M.
Title:Conspicuous generosity
Journal:Journal of Public Economics
2011 : OCT, VOL 95: 9-10, p.1131-1143
Index terms:models
altruism
gifts
Freeterms:volunteering
favors
Language:eng
Abstract:We develop a simple model exploring generous behavior. It is based on the condition that some people are generous, but everyone wants to come across as generous - especially in the eyes of other generous people. Even if non-monetary donations are always inefficient, they commonly occur in equilibrium as they facilitate signaling. The model helps to explain the prevalence of volunteer work, the essence of Christmas gifts, and the taboo against paying cash in return for friendly favours. Finally, and perhaps most notably, the model explains why it is so common to ask for non-monetary favors and so rare to ask for money.
SCIMA record nr: 275031
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