ESRC Centre for Economic Learning and Social Evolution
Abstract
The ability to cooperate in collective action problems — such as those relating to the use
of common property resources or the provision of local public goods — is a key determinant of
economic performance. In this paper we discuss two aspects of collective action problems
in developing countries. First, which institutions discourage opportunistic behavior and
promote cooperation? Second, what are the characteristics of the individuals involved
that determine the degree to which they cooperate? We first review the evidence from field
studies, laboratory experiments, and cross community studies. We then present new results
from an individual level panel data set of rural workers
