Keywords

automatic enrollment, choice framing, 401(k) participation

Abstract

Seemingly minor changes in the way a choice is framed to a decision maker can generate dramatic changes in behavior. Automatic enrollment provides a clear example of such effects. Under automatic enrollment (also called negative election), employees are automatically enrolled in their company’s 401(k) plan unless the employees elect to opt out of the plan. This contrasts with the usual arrangement in which employees must actively choose to participate in their employer’s 401(k).

Original Publication Citation

“For Better or For Worse: Default Effects and 401(k) Savings Behavior.” 2004. In David A. Wise, editor, Perspectives on the Economics of Aging, Chicago: University of Chicago Press, pp. 81-121 (with James J. Choi, David Laibson and Andrew Metrick). http://www.nber.org/chapters/c10341.pdf

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2004

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Finance

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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