Dept. of Behavioral Economics
Because economics isn't just about money.
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Bribing vs. signaling
The recession has made untamed jungles out of many office environments. Employees have had to adapt their behavior to the changing climate or suffer extinction. What survival options are available to cubicle denizens? Marketplace's Dalasie Michaelis and "Undercover Economist" Tim Harford explore.
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The gift economy
A generous candy stash raises a co-worker’s status, but sometimes the rules of exchange get confusing. Behavioral economist Dan Ariely uses his “Predicably Irrational” insights to help Marketplace’s Eve Troeh understand social norms and social contracts.
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Free music
Musicians often play on sidewalks for free, but watching the audience can be just as entertaining as the music itself. Consumer Psychologist Kit Yarrow offers insight on how passers-by show their appreciation, or don't, with video from Portland, Ore., by Marketplace's Mitchell Hartman.
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Smoking costs
Smokers know their every puff harms their health, and yet they keep shelling out cash for the privilege of lighting up. Professor Kenneth A. Perkins, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, delves into the behavioral economics of cigarettes, with video collected by Marketplace's Tim Werth.
Comments
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From San Jose, CA, 01/05/2010
Watching your video deconstructions of acquiring "free stuff" and "good will" in the workplace was fun to watch. Now you have to show how easy it is in this web-centric culture for clueless people to abuse the virtual extension of free "commentary" credit when we post thoughtless anonymous reckonings with little or no basis, a parallel to the notion that if you don't have anything nice or meaningful to offer, why bother. It's useless and wasteful, and definitely cannot be considered an investment.
From Jacksonville, FL, 11/03/2009
Actually, there are infinite alternatives. Here's one: Brand Reformulation. Tell your boss you will clean the coffeepots if he helps you. Now your brand has risen because you are cleaning pots with the Boss!
From Berkeley, CA, 11/02/2009
RE: segment on 11/2 about how moods affect decision-making
I usually find your show reasonably informative -- but I have to say this was a particularly inane piece. You mean my emotions may affect my decisions even a day later? Wow, how revelatory. People carry grudges? Gee, never woulda guessed. I can't believe people get away with some of this research. Sheesh.
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