Do Norm-Nudges Induce Excessive Pro-Social Behavior and Severe Punishment?: An Experimental Study on Asymmetric Public Goods Games

Abstract

This study explored whether norm-nudges induce excessive pro-social behavior and severe punishment by conducting a laboratory experiment based on an asymmetric public goods game with punishment. The results indicated that a moral message induces both excessive contribution (those over the social optimal) and severe punishment, whereas a social comparison nudge does not induce excessive contribution but induces severe punishment. Consequently, both nudge messages deteriorated social welfare.