Ian Blackman

BSc. Hons (2.1) Mining Engineering. MBA (Dean's List)


Room: C4/5 DB
Tel: +44 (0) 115 8231404
Email: ian.blackman@brunel.ac.uk

Current Status: Writing up
Year of Registration: 2004
Expected Completion Date: /09/2010

Primary Funding Source:
Brunel University

Research Topic:
Can altruism provide a business benefit

Research Details:
With altruism a benefit is provided without the expectation of reciprocation. The altruistic act is less costly to the altruist than the benefit to the recipient, but there is still a net cost to the transaction for the altruist. This is in contrast to the mechanism suggested by transaction cost economics.
The biological literature provides examples of altruistic acts and evidence that altruism can increase the competitiveness of a group.
The theories related to altruism and in particular group selection are contentious.
An opposing view is that competition is based at the level of the individual and even at level of the gene. This would be consistent with basic economic theory.
The intention is to determine if altruistic acts can be identified and whether they increase the competitiveness of a group.
The conclusion will reflect on whether there are commercial benefits to encouraging or facilitating altruistic behaviour. This could be within or between organisations.
Organisational Change MSc Information Systems Management
E-Business 3rd Year BSc

Research Supervisor/s: Andy Lockett and Christine Ennew