The behavioral and neoliberal foundations of randomizations. (4th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Servet, Jean‐Michel; Tinel, Bruno
• Is Part Of: Strategic change. Volume 29:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2020-05-04
• Subjects: behavioural economics -- behaviour normalization -- bias -- finance -- ideology -- methodology -- neoliberalism -- power device -- randomized controlled trials (RCT) -- shaping behaviour; Organizational change -- Periodicals; Strategic planning -- Periodicals; 658.401205
• DOI: 10.1002/jsc.2328
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1086-1718

Abstract

Abstract: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) by behavioral economists pretend to be pragmatic and only interested in what works to solve practical problems, but in reality, they have notorious normative and ideological aspects. Behavioral RCTs ignore contexts and composition effects and reflect the biases of those who perform assessments. Behavioral randomizers presume without demonstrating that market exchanges are the most effective form of regulation for societies in all situations of social life. The positive or negative incentives ("nudges") offered by behavioral economics aim to normalize the behavior of consumers, users, employees, or small/independent producers. They are part of a set of power devices by which individual behaviors are shaped and forced, without their knowledge, to conform to dominant class interests.