• Media type: E-Book; Report
  • Title: Preferences for consistency
  • Contributor: Falk, Armin [Author]; Zimmermann, Florian [Author]
  • imprint: Munich: Center for Economic Studies and ifo Institute (CESifo), 2011
  • Language: English
  • Keywords: D03 ; D64 ; Wohltätigkeit ; charitable giving ; early commitment ; Soziale Beziehungen ; C91 ; experiments ; Spende ; Test ; Präferenztheorie ; social influence ; consistency preferences
  • Origination:
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  • Description: This paper studies how a preference for consistency can affect economic decision-making. We propose a two-period model where people have a preference for consistency because consistent behavior allows them to signal personal and intellectual strength. We then present three experiments that study main predictions and implications of the model. The first is a simple principal-agent experiment that shows that consistency is valued by others and that this value is anticipated. The second experiment underlines the crucial role of early commitment for consistency preferences. Finally we show how preferences for consistency can be used to manipulate choices.
  • Access State: Open Access