Altruism and Egoism in Investment Decisions

Brodback Daniel, Guenster Nadja, Mezger David


Abstract
„We provide survey evidence that personal values have an impact on individual investment decisions, in particular preferences for investing socially responsible. Our findings show that there is a positive link between altruistic values and the relative importance of social responsibility. This effect is stronger when individuals believe that they can make a positive social or environmental impact with their investments, or when they feel morally obliged to invest responsibly. If altruistic individuals associate responsible investments with higher returns, it decreases their motivation to invest responsibly. Egoistic values are negatively associated with the decision to invest responsibly, unless individuals associate responsible investing with higher returns."



Publication type
Research article (journal)

Peer reviewed
Yes

Publication status
Published

Year
2019

Journal
Review of Financial Economics, Special Issue: Behavioral Finance

Volume
37

Issue
1

Pages range
118-148

Language
English

DOI