Topic:Temptation at Work

Speaker：Daniel Houser

Affiliation:George Mason University

Time：2:00-3:30pm, Dec. 11

Location：Room 217, Guanghua New Building

Abstract:I report data from behavioral and brain-imaging studies of temptation and self-control. Self-control resolves conflict between altruistic and selfish impulses. Self-control requires energy, and in work environments controlling one’s short-run desires can have a detrimental impact on subsequent productivity. Further, controlling selfish impulses is more difficult when costs of altruistic effort for others are monetized. Brain imaging data suggest altruism is mediated by social reward systems. These systems may be difficult to activate (that is, self-control more difficult) in the presence of pecuniary costs, as money is perceived as an individual resource.

Speaker’s website:http://mason.gmu.edu/~dhouser/