We versus me: Indirect conditional effects of collectivism on COVID-19 public policy hypocrisy
Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy
ISSN: 2045-2101
Article publication date: 26 July 2021
Issue publication date: 28 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
During the early SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated masks “may not protect the wearer, but it may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others”. Health officials revised mask guidelines to include both the wearer and others, but contradiction became a focal point for online debate and credibility. While revised policies eventually became adopted by the public, there was loss time and lives during this critical stage. This study investigates collectivist messaging on public policy support.
Design/methodology/approach
COVID-19 public policy hypocrisy was defined as the gap between supporting community policies while rejecting policies more likely to impact the individual. United States participants (N = 1,605) completed questionnaires. Moderated mediation analysis was conducted using SPSS PROCESS.
Findings
Those high on collectivism and high on global personal impact associated with lower COVID-19 public policy hypocrisy. These individuals indicated consistent support for community and individual policies, likely requiring personal sacrifices. Indirect conditional effects of lower conscientiousness associated with higher hypocrisy among those collectivistic.
Originality/value
Participants evaluated preference to original public safety ads, representative of basic societal and individual benefits. Those higher on collectivism preferred societal “we” versus individual “me” public safety ads. Implications discuss benefits of personal and communal public health messaging in an individualistic society so businesses can reopen. Entrepreneurs experienced major economic setbacks that effective public health policies could have mitigated.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Support was provided by California State University, East Bay and the College of Business and Economics professional development funds to advance institutional excellence in research. The College of Business and Economics is devoted to servicing students from diverse backgrounds with quality business education and engendering vital workplace skills to become future business professionals and leaders. Statements by the researchers are not necessarily a representation of the institution's beliefs.
Data sharing statement: Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data are not available.
Conflict of interest statement: The authors, whose names are associated with this manuscript, certify having no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interests. This includes no educational grants; participation in speakers' bureaus; honoraria; employment; memberships; consultancies; equity interests; stock ownerships; patent-licensing arrangements; or expert testimony. Further there are no non-financial interests. This includes no affiliations, knowledge, beliefs, personal relationships, or professional relationships in the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.
Citation
Bok, S., Shum, J., Harvie, J. and Lee, M. (2021), "We versus me: Indirect conditional effects of collectivism on COVID-19 public policy hypocrisy", Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, Vol. 10 No. 3, pp. 379-401. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEPP-05-2021-0060
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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