Bringing the Four-Eyes-Principle to the Lab

Published: March 1, 2011, 11 a.m.

b'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.'