Intention-based Social Influence in Sharing Experiments

Abstract

Abstract We experimentally study intention-based social influence of group members on behavior in standard and modified Ultimatum and Impunity games. Standard games allow for bi-dimensional strategy vectors whereas they are uni-dimensional in modified games. The latter reveal more clearly fairness intention that should strengthen social influence. Groups are minimally identified by colors and social influence is based on information about median intention(s) in one's group. These affect bi-dimensional Ultimatum bargaining significantly more than Impunity giving suggesting: sharing triggered by intrinsic generosity is less sensitive to social influence than sharing with strategic concerns. Altogether, social influence enhances conformity seeking and thereby efficiency, but its effect is strongly role dependent.

Keywords: Ultimatum Game, Impunity Game, Social Influence, Intentions, Group Identity, Fairness, Experiments

JEL Classification: C90, C91