Cited by 169Social Power and Status DynamicsPublic Policy and Administration ResearchSocial Capital and Networks

Why People Cooperate: The Role of Social Motivations

Tyler, Tom R.·2010·Princeton University Press eBooks

Abstract

Any organization's success depends upon the voluntary cooperation of its members. But what motivates people to cooperate? In Why People Cooperate , Tom Tyler challenges the decades-old notion that individuals within groups are primarily motivated by their self-interest. Instead, he demonstrates that human behaviors are influenced by shared attitudes, values, and identities that reflect social connections rather than material interests. Tyler examines employee cooperation in work organizations, resident cooperation with legal authorities responsible for social order in neighborhoods, and citizen cooperation with governmental authorities in political communities. He demonstrates that the main factors for achieving cooperation are socially driven, rather than instrumentally based on incentives or sanctions. Because of this, social motivations are critical when authorities attempt to secure voluntary cooperation from group members. Tyler also explains that two related aspects of group practices--the use of fair procedures when exercising authority and the belief by group members that authorities are benevolent and sincere--are crucial to the development of the attitudes, values, and identities that underlie cooperation. With widespread implications for the management of organizations, community regulation, and governance, Why People Cooperate illustrates the vital role that voluntary cooperation plays in the long-standing viability of groups.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1515/9781400836666

Cites

4 of 4 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Tyler, T. R.
Corresponding author
Tyler, Tom R.
Venue
Princeton University Press eBooks
Published
2010-12-31
OpenAlex
W2250520297
Cited by
169
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 9
FWCI
12.55
Type
book
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
Princeton University Press eBooks (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Power and Status Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Public Administration › Public Policy and Administration Research
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Capital and Networks
Keywords
voluntary cooperation, social motivation, self-interest, social identity, shared values, employee cooperation, citizen cooperation, fair procedure, sanctions, incentives, organizational management, community regulation, governance, social order

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