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Effect of Effort on Self Image: The Case of Monotonically Increasing Self-Image Functions

Samahita, Margaret LU (2012) NEKP01 20121
Department of Economics
Abstract (Swedish)
In this paper, the model of moral motivation as developed by Brekke et al (2003) is analysed with the new assumption that self-image is an increasing function of effort. While the effects of increased efficiency and new information on optimal effort levels are largely similar, different results are obtained when individuals are faced with responsibility and economic incentives. Following Brekke et al, this paper uses the example of dugnad, whereby members of an organisation can choose to voluntarily do practical work for the organisation. Participation is sustainable as a Nash equilibrium even when it is not considered morally ideal. Two specific examples are used to demonstrate the different behaviours produced when varying the steepness... (More)
In this paper, the model of moral motivation as developed by Brekke et al (2003) is analysed with the new assumption that self-image is an increasing function of effort. While the effects of increased efficiency and new information on optimal effort levels are largely similar, different results are obtained when individuals are faced with responsibility and economic incentives. Following Brekke et al, this paper uses the example of dugnad, whereby members of an organisation can choose to voluntarily do practical work for the organisation. Participation is sustainable as a Nash equilibrium even when it is not considered morally ideal. Two specific examples are used to demonstrate the different behaviours produced when varying the steepness of the self-image functions. All results adhere to previously established theories on responsibility and crowding out. (Less)
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author
Samahita, Margaret LU
supervisor
organization
course
NEKP01 20121
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Self-image, Volunteerism, Economic incentives, Crowding out
language
English
id
2542642
date added to LUP
2012-06-15 09:29:31
date last changed
2012-06-15 09:29:31
@misc{2542642,
  abstract     = {{In this paper, the model of moral motivation as developed by Brekke et al (2003) is analysed with the new assumption that self-image is an increasing function of effort. While the effects of increased efficiency and new information on optimal effort levels are largely similar, different results are obtained when individuals are faced with responsibility and economic incentives. Following Brekke et al, this paper uses the example of dugnad, whereby members of an organisation can choose to voluntarily do practical work for the organisation. Participation is sustainable as a Nash equilibrium even when it is not considered morally ideal. Two specific examples are used to demonstrate the different behaviours produced when varying the steepness of the self-image functions. All results adhere to previously established theories on responsibility and crowding out.}},
  author       = {{Samahita, Margaret}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Effect of Effort on Self Image: The Case of Monotonically Increasing Self-Image Functions}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}