The Longest Journey Begins With a Single Step: A Real Options Approach to Social Dilemmas

Collective action faces a public goods social dilemma where there exists an inherent tension between individual and collective interests. Considering the economic and social significance of public goods dilemmas, an important research question is why public goods dilemmas often result in collective failure. This dissertation proposes an explanation and solution for this question. By way of explanation, public good dilemmas often result in collective failure because individuals perceive themselves as highly vulnerable to the uncertain behavior of others. The solution to this question is found in taking a real options approach to social dilemmas. The thesis of this dissertation is that, in social dilemmas, real options provide collectives opportunity to achieve small wins and small wins enable collective action by reducing perceived vulnerability.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Business Adminstration

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• McCarter, Matthew Wayne

Contributors dc:contributor

• Northcraft, Gregory B.,

• Psychology, Behavioral
• Psychology, Social
• Business Administration, Management

Identifier

(UMI)AAI3392212

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/72301