Group punishment does not always discount: Cultural difference in punishment of individuals and groups

Abstract

Various transgressions and crimes can be accomplished by individuals, but are also committed by groups. A similar transgression may have varying punishment intensities for individuals and groups, and this difference may also vary between the American and Chinese cultures. Using a questionnaire on bribery scenarios, two studies were carried out to examine the differences in punishment intensities for individuals and groups in the aforementioned two cultures. Results confirm that punishment intensities on individuals are harsher than those on groups in the American culture. In contrast, punishment intensities on individuals and groups are equally harsh in the Chinese culture. Further evidence indicates that the underlying mechanism can be attributed to the construal of agency, which mediates the moderating effect of cultural group (American vs. Chinese) on the relationship between transgression type (group vs. individual) and punishment intensity. Findings provide an in‐depth understanding of the cultural differences in the punishment of individuals and groups and their underlying mechanisms.