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free-rider problem  

Definition

  • The free-rider problem (FRP) arises when, given a collectivity trying to produce a common good, a member rationally calculates that, assuming a collective good will be produced anyway, it is better for him or her not to contribute to the cooperative effort. In this fashion, the individual is taking advantage of the hard work of others. [Source: International Encyclopedia of Organization Studies; Free-Rider Problem]

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URI

https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/free-rider_problem

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