Altruism, giving and pro-social conduct, and reciprocity, are the basis of the existence and performance of societies … (which they sometimes also create); and in charity and specific organizations. Altruism has various origins: it can be … hedonistic or natural altruism in empathy, affection, sympathy, emotional contagion, pity, and compassion; or normative altruism …

We report experimental findings on the role of charitable promises in bargaining settings. We vary the enforceability of … char-itable donation. By reneging on initial pledges, dishonest proposers can turn the bargaining power to their advantage …