I wonder how the payment rates would change if he simply mounted a non-functional wireless camera plugged into a socket pointing at the bagel location?
(ie, hinting to people that they are not invisible as in the story of the Ring of Gyges)
I wonder how the payment rates would change if he simply mounted a ... camera
An interesting question. I wouldn't be surprised if the camera made it worse. My guess is that people, when trusted, hold themselves to a higher standard. But with a camera present, they're allowed to turn off their own consciences. So people would be ingenious about palming a bagel so the camera wouldn't see, and think that if the camera's not seeing it, they're home free.
> We examined the effect of an image of a pair of eyes on contributions to an honesty box used to collect money for drinks in a university coffee room. People paid nearly three times as much for their drinks when eyes were displayed rather than a control image. This finding provides the first evidence from a naturalistic setting of the importance of cues of being watched, and hence reputational concerns, on human cooperative behaviour.
Upvoted because it's interesting, but I don't think it directly addresses my thesis. The cited study is looking at the effect of subliminally suggesting that someone could be watching. I'm wondering about a situation where the subject really is being watched, or is at least made to believe that he is, and in a way that such that his evil behavior can be easily masked.
Specifically, I theorize that if someone else asserts control over a person's moral behavior, then that subject will exercise less self-control, yielding to the authority as necessary.
In Japan many local businesses and delivery people, mums on bikes and so on have a "tiger mask" eyes sticker on their vehicle or side of their shop for just this reason. He's a well known crime fighting character.. And it's very distinctive. It also carries what I assume is his catch phrase - "I won't let crime pass me by"
This is even more amazing, because the people know they're not being watched. I wonder how ingrained the image of eyes is? Could you achieve the same effect with a picture of a CCTV camera?
that is a really interesting idea. With a fake camera people can see what they are supposed to avoid. With a picture of a camera, where they are unclear exactly where the camera is, I wonder how that changes things.
Payment rates would change but my guess is sales would be hurt. I think people will be turned off by the implied message that their company could not be trusted and would punish Bagel Guy by not giving their business.
>if he simply mounted a non-functional wireless camera
Cheaper still, a sign saying "this break room is under video surveillance".
He could try all sorts of things in different locations, like starting a rumour that management watched for non-payment to decide who should be laid off first, etc..
(ie, hinting to people that they are not invisible as in the story of the Ring of Gyges)