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Dispositional greed.

Terri G Seuntjens1, Marcel Zeelenberg1, Niels van de Ven1

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces the Dispositional Greed Scale (DGS) to measure individual differences in greed. Findings show greed is linked to economic decision-making and various psychological traits.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Economics

Background:

  • Greed is a significant human motive with both positive and negative societal implications.
  • Despite its importance, a clear understanding of greed's nature and effects is lacking.
  • Existing research has not adequately addressed the measurement of dispositional greed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a reliable scale for measuring dispositional greed.
  • To investigate the psychological correlates of greed.
  • To examine the impact of greed on economic decision-making.

Main Methods:

  • Development and validation of the 7-item Dispositional Greed Scale (DGS) across multiple studies and countries (total N = 7201).
  • Assessment of construct and discriminant validity using correlations with related and unrelated psychological constructs.
  • Experimental economic games (dictator, ultimatum, resource dilemma) to measure greedy behavior.

Main Results:

  • The DGS demonstrated strong construct and discriminant validity, correlating positively with maximization, self-interest, envy, materialism, and impulsiveness, and negatively with self-control and life satisfaction.
  • The DGS uniquely predicted greedy behavioral tendencies beyond materialism.
  • Individuals scoring higher on the DGS exhibited more self-serving allocation in dictator and ultimatum games and took more resources in a dilemma game.

Conclusions:

  • The Dispositional Greed Scale provides a valid and reliable measure of individual differences in greed.
  • Greed is a distinct psychological trait that significantly influences economic behavior.
  • This research offers insights into the measurement and behavioral consequences of greed, opening avenues for future study.