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Resource changes: exogenous or endogenous, gradual or abrupt. Experimental evidence

Abstract

The paper reports a laboratory experiment in which groups of participants managed a Common-Pool Resource (CPR). The goal was to observe if different types of resource change, whether exogenous or endogenous, and gradual or sudden, would lead to different behaviour, and if the participants would adapt easily to any one of these changes. The experiment used a time continuous, dynamic tool. Endogenous resource changes, when compared with exogenous changes, led to higher cooperation, and a better management of the resource, thus reducing the risk of extinction through overharvesting. Abrupt changes appear to induce users to modify their behaviour according to what happens to the resource, but gradual changes do not seem to lead to behavioural change. In line with previous research, our results suggest that, when the users are aware of the threat of potential disasters, they can adapt their behaviour and move toward a solution which can avoid the tragedy of the commons.

Cite this activity

Cerutti N. and Schlüter A. (2019) Resource changes: exogenous or endogenous, gradual or abrupt. Experimental evidence. International Journal of Environmental Studies 76(6): 1004-1018. 10.1080/00207233.2019.1644022

Details

Title Resource changes: exogenous or endogenous, gradual or abrupt. Experimental evidence
Date 26.07.2019
Journal International Journal of Environmental Studies
Issue 6
Volume 76
Pages 1004-1018
DOI 10.1080/00207233.2019.1644022
Open Access Status Closed Access

Research Spectrum

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