Anonymous Giving as a Vice: An Application of Image Motivation

• DOI: 10.4236/tel.[phone]
• Publication Date: 2012-11-02T05:01:41Z
• Authors: Masaoki Tamura
• Keywords: Trustworthiness

While some donors boast about their giving, others give anonymously. A novel feature of this paper is that anonymity endogenously controlled by themselves, not exogenously fundraisers. Is anonymous giving really a virtue, as generally recognised? Paradoxically, proves vice for fundraisers even if it what desire. If many altruists (a good type) switch from known to relatively lowers the group reputation and enhances non-donors. These effects dilute incentive other individuals become donors, they have psychological “image motivation”. I suggest practical method control expected number donors: remove “check boxes” web sites.