Optimism Bias When Evaluating a Prosocial Initiative*

Keywords

optimism, bias, prosocial initiative, nonprofit, business, hypothetical initiative

Abstract

Objective. This study examines how people evaluate prosocial initiatives—in particular, whether they exhibit optimism bias when asked to consider the outcomes of a hypothetical initiative that is described to take place in nonprofit, business, or government sector. It also assesses the conditions under which optimism bias is malleable. Methods. We use a survey with an experimental component to compare subjects' evaluations of a hypothetical initiative across a set of priming (positive prime, negative prime, no prime) and sector (nonprofit, government, business, social business) conditions. Results. We find evidence that optimism bias is widespread, regardless of the sector in question. Subjects are only inclined to alter their assessments when provided with new information that is positive (in contrast to new information that is negative). Conclusion. The findings offer qualified support for the blurring hypothesis, suggesting that sector may be losing its status as a defining characteristic of the organizational landscape.

Original Publication Citation

Child, C. and Witesman, E.M. (2019), Optimism and Bias When Evaluating a Prosocial Initiative*. Social Science Quarterly, 100: 666-677.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2019-02-06

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6687

Publisher

Social Science Quarterly

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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