Researchers in the competence field of behavioral economics and business ethics analyze the influence of values, norms, rules and laws (institutions).
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Behavioral Economics and Business Ethics
Its work is a response to the fact that psychological and institutional influences are still neglected by many economists, with a consequent weakening of the explanatory power of economic models. The IW scientists point to the basis of economic policy in political structures and link their work to behavioural economics, thus taking account of psychological and sociological factors. Additionally, the researchers make use of the insights of modern institutional economics, which focuses on the costs of contract negotiations and processes (transaction costs) and the importance of incentives for human behaviour. On the basis of these interdisciplinary theoretical approaches, our economists then develop analyses and practical policy recommendations relating particularly to the ethical dilemmas of companies and commerce.
Cooperation Partners
- Technische Köln – Schmalenbach Institut für Wirtschaftswissenschaften
- Universität zu Köln – Institut für Wirtschafts- und Sozialpsychologie
- Universität Wien – Institut für Arbeits-, Organisations- und Wirtschaftspsychologie
- Universität Linz – Institut für Volkswirtschaftslehre
- Die Zukunft der Arbeit – Roman Herzog Institut
- Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung
- Katholische Akademie in Berlin
- Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin
- Bund Katholischer Unternehmer
- Arbeitskreis Evangelischer Unternehmer in Deutschland
- Deutsches Netzwerk Wirtschaftsethik
Sections of the Research Unit
Contact
Studies and contributions
XI. Scientific Conference: The „Great Transformation”: New Rules of the Game?
Already before the Ukrainian War, Transformation seems to be everywhere. Almost 50 times it has been mentioned in the New „Ampel” Coalition Treaty of November 2021.
IW

Behavioral Economics and Climate Protection: Better regulation and green nudges for more sustainability
Protecting the climate is one of the greatest challenges our society is currently facing. In view of the heated political and social discussions surrounding this topic, the question naturally arises as to whether behavioral-economic insights can be used to sensitize German society to the dangers of climate change and to motivate it towards more sustainability.
IW

Growth, Equity and Sustainability
In the last two decades, a debate has unfolded around the relationship between growth and well-being that has produced numerous new concepts, indicators and sets of targets. This increasingly includes an emphasis on sustainability concepts.
IW

Behavioral Economics and Leadership: How to Bridge the Gap Between Intentions and Behavior
The difference between existing intentions and actual behavior occurs in various forms, such as procrastination or companies not being able to implement planned changes, which may lead to competitive disadvantages in ever dynamic business environments.
IW

The Seven Deadly Sins: Interpretations and Recommendations from Behavioral Economics
Envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth and wrath – the so-called seven deadly sins are widely known and even more widely committed. The terms describe seven motives and behavioral patterns which, despite being branded as vices, actually steer many people’s conduct in their daily lives.
IW

Going Green with Behavioral Economics: How to Combine Business and Ethics
This paper calls for an increased discourse between Fridays for Future and representatives of business. Fridays for Future play a key role in educating the public and raising awareness of scientific reports, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment, which demonstrate the urgency with which we must tackle climate change.
IW

The Business Ethics of the Corona Crisis
This research work is intended to analyze the economic consequences and ethical challenges that are caused by the coronavirus pandemic and to predict whether one can find a balance within the arising conflict of interest between economy, health and ethics. The solution strategies of Germany, Sweden and South Korea will be compared in order to evaluate different types of crisis management and to finally derive possible lessons from the crisis.
IW

Causes and consequences of trust at the individual level
Generalized trust in other people is especially important in times of crisis. If there is a lack of trust, more control and sanctions are necessary, which result in transaction costs. In addition, all people suffer from control measures, even if only a few show wrongdoings.
IW

The importance of locus of control for HR policy
Current developments at the workplace, such as digitalization, the demographic transition or the shift from a focus on shareholder value to a stakeholder approach, are bringing about rapid change.
IW
The Exhausted Globalization: Dwindling Growth, Rising Tensions
Signs of crisis dominate current debates: Social cohesion is said to be dwindling, po-litical structures and multilateralism are eroding and the sustainability of economic conditions is questioned.
IW