Ethical differentiation and market behavior: An experimental approach

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization
Year: 2008
Volume: 66
Issue: 2
Pages: 265-280

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Does ethical differentiation of products affect market behavior? We examined this issue in triopolistic experimental markets where producers set prices. One producer's costs were higher than the others. In two treatments, the additional costs were attributed to compliance with ethical guidelines. In the third, no justification was provided. Many consumers reduced their experimental gains by purchasing the ethically differentiated products at higher prices. Individual differences were important (business/economics students paid smaller premia). Finally, we speculate about the observed "demand function" for ethics and emphasize using experimental methodology to complement empirical studies in assessing markets for ethically differentiated products.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jeborg:v:66:y:2008:i:2:p:265-280
Journal Field
Theory
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25