Social Norms
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Margaret Levi
Stanford University

In the Interest of Others
Abstract
Variations in democratic governance arrangements, on the one hand, and provision of promised goods and services, on the other hand, influence the development of both legitimating beliefs and behaviors. Under the right set of leadership and governance conditions, constituents are more likely to comply with the extractive demands of the organization. Moreover, when leaders seek political rather than economic rents, when the governance arrangements are more inclusive, and when there is an appeal to an extended "community of fate," members may be willing to engage in costly actions, using valuable resources and, in some instances, risking jail time on behalf of a larger common good.
