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Web End = Exp Econ (2015) 18:543568
DOI 10.1007/s10683-014-9419-7
ORIGINAL PAPER
Aurlie Bonein Laurent Denant-Bomont
Received: 3 October 2013 / Revised: 15 October 2014 / Accepted: 21 October 2014 / Published online: 24 January 2015 Economic Science Association 2015
Abstract This paper focuses on the relationship between individual self-control and peer pressure. To this end, we performed a laboratory experiment that proceeded in two parts. The rst part involved an individual real-effort task in which subjects could commit themselves to a particular level of performance while being tempted by an alternative recreational activity. The second part consisted of bargaining in a power-to-take game in which previously earned revenues were at stake. The experimental treatments involved variations in the available information provided to peers about previous individual behavior. The results show that many subjects make a serious commitment. Further, the subsequent revelation of commitment level induces subjects to increase the credible components of their commitment decisions. Past individual behaviors also play a role in bargaining because(i) partners who have committed themselves benet from lower rates of both take and destruction and (ii) partners who have succumbed to temptation suffer from higher rates of both take and destruction.
Keywords Self-control Temptation Commitment Willpower
Laboratory experiment Peer pressure
JEL Classication C91 C92 D63
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A. Bonein L. Denant-Bomont (&)
CREM - University Rennes 1, Rennes, France e-mail: [email protected]
A. Boneine-mail: [email protected]
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Web End = Self-control, commitment and peer pressure: a laboratory experiment
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1 Introduction
Individuals are frequently subject to temptations such as on-the-job socializing, napping and drinking alcohol. In particular, workplace temptations are a matter of real concern for employers and employees. A Hufngton Post article published in April 2014 indicated that social networks are among the most visited websites in the workplace.1 Further, a 2014 report by OLFEO2 showed that salaried workers spent 108 min per day surng the Internet and that 58 % of...