PRO-SOCIAL AND PRO-SELF NUDGE: SCHOLARS’ NUDGING ATTITUDES IN TURKIYE

Public authorities try to lead individuals to undertake actions and decisions in the interest of both themselves and society through public policies they create by nudging. Although this method is anticipated to yield favorable results due to individuals’ limited rationality, the related literature often discusses possible adverse effects due to the paternalist quality of nudge. It is likely that the implications in the literature and individuals’ perceptions and attitudes regarding nudge policies are influenced by a number of individual and societal factors such as the individuals’ demographic features, the culture of the surrounding society. It is necessary to disclose these factors in order to take nudge theory forward. Departing from this, the present study aims at exposing the perceptions regarding pro-self and pro-social nudge policies among professor of Public Administration department in the context of Türkiye. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with 91 faculty members employed at Turkish state universities. Of the 8 different nudge policies mentioned in the survey, the respondents were seen to find all acceptable except for the one targeted at expanding organ donation. The respondents think that such policies do not have a considerable restrictive effect on individuals’ freedom to choice.