We use experimental methods to study the power of leading by words. The context is a voluntary contribution mechanism with one-way communication. One group member can send a free-form text message to his fellow players. Contrary to the commonly accepted wisdom that the cooperation-enhancing effect of communication requires the mutual exchange of promises, we find that the introduction of one-way communication increases contributions substantially and decreases their variation. When communication is oneshot, its effect on contribution levels persists over time. Moreover, one-way communication is effective even in the absence of strategic concerns.
Leading by words: a voluntary contribution experiment with one-way communication
Levati, Maria Vittoria;
2012-01-01
Abstract
We use experimental methods to study the power of leading by words. The context is a voluntary contribution mechanism with one-way communication. One group member can send a free-form text message to his fellow players. Contrary to the commonly accepted wisdom that the cooperation-enhancing effect of communication requires the mutual exchange of promises, we find that the introduction of one-way communication increases contributions substantially and decreases their variation. When communication is oneshot, its effect on contribution levels persists over time. Moreover, one-way communication is effective even in the absence of strategic concerns.
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