Bringing the Four-Eyes-Principle to the Lab
The \u2018Four-Eyes-Principle\u2019 is considered as one of the most potent measures against corruption although it lacks both theoretical and empirical justification. We show in a\nlaboratory experiment using a standard corruption game that introducing the 4EP increases corrupt behaviour, casting doubt on its usefulness as a general recommendation. Combining data on final choices with observations on the decision making processes in teams, including a content analysis of exchanged messages, provides insights into the dynamics of team decision making and shows that the individual profit maximizing motive dominates group\ndecision making and crowds out altruistic arguments.