Social comparison and risk taking behavior

Astrid Gamba (), Elena Manzoni and Luca Stanca

Theory and Decision, 2017, vol. 82, issue 2, No 4, 248 pages

Abstract: Abstract This paper studies the effects of social comparison on risk taking behavior. In our theoretical framework, decision makers evaluate the consequences of their choices relative to both their own and their peers’ conditions. We test experimentally whether the position in the social ranking affects risk attitudes. Subjects interact in a simulated workplace environment where they perform a work task, receive possibly different wages, and then undertake a risky decision that may produce an extra gain. We find that social comparison matters for risk attitudes. Subjects are more risk averse in the presence of small social gain than social loss. In addition, risk aversion is decreasing in the size of the social gain.

Keywords: Social comparison; Risk aversion; Interdependent preferences; Reference point (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C91 D03 D81 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (22)

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Working Paper: Social comparison and risk taking behavior (2014)
Working Paper: Social Comparison and Risk Taking Behavior (2014)
Working Paper: Social comparison and risk taking behavior (2014)
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DOI: 10.1007/s11238-016-9562-z

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