Social Sciences
3 years ago

Social norms determine if incentives boost or hinder prosocial behavior.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization
Social norms offer explanation for inconsistent effects of incentives on prosocial behavior
Caroline Graf, Bianca Suanet, Pamala Wiepking, Eva‐Maria Merz

Paper Summary

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Incentives for prosocial behavior can have inconsistent effects because they depend on social norms. A study on blood donation behavior in Europe showed that incentives like money or time off work can increase prosocial behavior if they match existing norms. This means that people are more likely to help others when incentives align with what is socially expected.