Social value orientation, values system and cooperative behavior: An experimental study

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the relationship between the social value orientation of the individual and Schwartz's human value theory, as well as to understand the relationship of these models with cooperative behavior of the individual under different regulatory environments (the existence or inexistence of external control). Originality/gap/relevance/implications: Although both models are featured in their respective fields, little has been done in order to find points of convergence between them. Thus, this line of research would facilitate not only the dialogue between two formally separate research traditions, but also improve our understanding of the effects of values and preferences on the cooperative behavior of the individual. Key methodological aspects: Data were collected using the Schwartz PVQ-21 scale, SVO Slider decomposed games and applying a principal-agent game in an experimental research environment. Summary of key results: Results indicate that SVO social types differ mainly in the importance attributed to power and achievement values. Furthermore, results support the argument that cooperation of pro-social type is based on the intrinsic motivation to equalize outcomes, being, therefore, less sensitive to external controls. In contrast, pro-self cooperative behavior, based on maximizing individual outcome, relies more on the existence of external restrictions. Key considerations/conclusions: Results show that SVO social types differ in their priority of values and, therefore, the individual's value system may help to explain partially the individual's propensity to cooperate.