Information on Social Value Orientation and Contributions to a Public Good: Theory and Experimental Evidence

Abstract

We explore the extent to which information about the social value orientation (SVO) of group members influences contributions to a public good. We compare four networks of information - empty, pair, star and complete. We find that information about SVO has a significant impact on contributions in an experimental setting. This impact is consistent with theoretical predictions based on reciprocity and guilt aversion. We show that a star network with a pro-social manager has the biggest positive effect on contributions.

Keywords: public good, experiment, social value orientation, network

JEL Classification: H41, C72, C92