It is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized...Show moreIt is understood that perceptions and experiences of social mobility can influence decision making outcomes. How it may impact one’s decision to be prosocial is less researched. It is hypothesized that through the meritocratic mechanisms of the American dream, viewing everyone as capable of climbing the social ladder, individuals’ sensitivity towards the needs of the poor is decreased. Given America’s emphasis on the meritocracy, the research aim is of greater interest: whether the interaction between, and independent impact of perceptions and experiences of social mobility, influence charitable giving in the form of donation amount. The study was conducted via a survey on Prolific that sampled American respondents’ perceived and experienced mobility, and the opted donation amount to charity. Non-significant statistical analyses determined the absence of an interaction between these factors. Likewise, perceived social mobility does not correlate with charitable giving, the reasons for which are examined. Significant negative and positive correlations were found between experienced social mobility with: charitable behavior and perceived social mobility. The former is discussed to operate via the ‘hot and cold’ empathy mechanism, and the causality of the latter is explored. The findings of this research deviate from other data but generates novel avenues for further investigation. Additionally, the study highlights substantial experienced downward mobility and a perceived low chance for social mobility in the United States.Show less
Since WWII, the influence of IOs has increased where virtually all issue of global concern is administered by an IO. However, this influence has not come without its hazards. As the Global ...Show moreSince WWII, the influence of IOs has increased where virtually all issue of global concern is administered by an IO. However, this influence has not come without its hazards. As the Global “Governance Dilemma” theorizes, it is because of it that member states wish to ‘capture’ their decision-making and power-distribution apparatuses —their voting systems— to better realize their agendas. The case studies of two prominent IOs, the IMF and the UNSC, provide support that it is often true that these systems favor powerful member states due to a politicization of their voting systems. To address the potential causes and shortcomings of this phenomenon, this thesis conducted an in-depth case study of the institutional designs —Virtue Cultivation, Political Autonomy, and Meritocracy— of the Colombian Political Party MIRA that were born out of their unique theoretical framework of Miraísm. Through the implementation of these designs, this party successfully overcame obstacles akin to the ones that IOs face, despite their small size and the prevalence of corruption in Colombia. Building from this, the thesis followed a standard method of theory generation to create a novel framework regarding how to better resolve the core issue at hand: The Aligned Interests-Goals (AIG) Theory. In essence, this theory postulates that through specific institutional designs that tie A (self-interests) and B (goals) together by offering C (incentives) that provide the obtainment of A in exchange for proven efforts regarding B can effectively nudge behavior towards a virtuous cycle of positive competition for their mutual satisfaction. Based on the logic of this theory, the thesis delivered its main institutional proposal of Incentives-based Meritocratic Voting Systems as an alternative design to avoid the adverse consequences of politicized voting systems in IOs, while leaving prospect for the avoidance of absolute insulation from powerful member states, therefore increasing the probability for effective results regarding IO goals of intergovernmental cooperation, sacrifice, and change.Show less
The goal of this study is to discover whether the concepts perceived diversity climate, the perception of inclusion and diversity recruitment have a positive effect on the retention rates of...Show moreThe goal of this study is to discover whether the concepts perceived diversity climate, the perception of inclusion and diversity recruitment have a positive effect on the retention rates of minority trainees at ProRail. This research is a single-case analysis with a qualitative approach. Thirteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, eight with minority trainees and five with recruiters. The results demonstrate that all of the before-mentioned concepts have a positive effect on the retention rates of minority trainees. However, the ideology of meritocracy and the opposition towards bureaucracy threaten the positive influence that diversity recruitment has on retention rates of minorities. These outcomes are both of scientific and societal relevance. Furthermore, the study includes recommendations for future research and policy recommendations for ProRail.Show less
