The Logics of Collective Action in the Production of Step-level Public Goods

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the distinctive features of the logic of collective action in the production of step-level public goods. In the first part, we present the differences between the production functions of continuous public goods (here BPC) and those of the step-level public goods (here BPE). After formalizing the situation where the production of a BPE is pursued, we tackle the theoretical differences between this situation and those in which the BPC are usually formalized (then-persons prisoners’ dilemma). Next, we present the experimental evidence of variables that affect the level of the voluntary contributions and the success rates in the production of BPE. Finally, we point out some of the theoretical and practical reasons for which we believe that a development of the experimentation on step-level public goods games is advisable